Pressure Group takes legal stand against NRM’s failure to conduct internal elections.
Drake Nyamugabwa
A pressure group known as the Revivalist Movement of National Resistance Movement (NRM) has resorted to suing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party including the Secretary-General, and the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission NRM for failure to organize internal elections which the group say is a violation of both the NRM Constitution and the Constitution of Uganda.
Mr. Isaac Akampurira Rukanda The Chief Commissar of the pressure group said during a press conference on Tuesday 19th November 2024 that following years of raising concerns internally through letters and petitions, to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) the NRM leaders have arrogantly ignored them thus resorting to legal procedures.
“The Civil Case Miscellaneous Cause No. 0230 of 2024, filed by myself against the NRM party, the Secretary-General, and the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission NRM, this suit focuses on their failure to organize internal elections—a violation of both the NRM Constitution and the Constitution of Uganda,” he said
While recognizing and appreciating the tireless efforts of our National Chairman and President of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for keeping the NRM moving forward, Akampurira said that despite being fundamental pillars of the NRM party, there have been no internal elections since 2016 which he says is allowing the leadership to serve illegally thereby undermining g the credibility of the ruling party.
“Internal elections are a fundamental pillar of the party’s democratic process. Yet, no internal elections have been conducted since 2016. This neglect has allowed leaders at levels whose term expired in 2020 to continue serving a second term and occupying offices illegally for five years, this undermines the credibility of the NRM as a party that values democracy. The Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission and the entire team have failed to fulfill their mandate, a core mandate under the NRM Constitution” he said.
The Pressure Group’s Lawyer, Mr. Keitth Kamara confirmed the development saying that they have filed the case in the high court of Uganda based on several violations of the 1995 Constitution including Articles 59, 38, and 71, the political laws and the political party Act, among others.
According to the leadership of The Revivalist Movement’s Mission was born out of a desire to restore the NRM to its rightful place as a champion of democracy, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, including: Ensuring that the voices of all NRM members, especially the youth and all marginalized groups are heard. To hold leaders accountable to their mandates as outlined in the NRM Constitution, To foster a culture of openness and engagement within the party among others.
“The Revivalist Movement is not an opposition to the NRM but a necessary force for its renewal. Together, we can restore our party to its founding principles and ensure that it remains the strongest and most trans-formative political organization in Uganda and Africa” Akampurura said
The NRM constitution under Chapter 5, section 46 subsection 1. States, that Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the term of office of elected members of all organs of NRM shall be five years unless terminated earlier, and the incumbent members shall be eligible for re-election.
Additionally, Article 71 (c) of the Ugandan constitution requires the internal organization of political parties to conform to the democratic principles enshrined in the constitution.
