NRM caucus warns the grumbling group Amama Mbabazi may have signed onto the controversial resolution positioning President Museveni as the sole NRM candidate in the 2016 elections, but youths allied to the prime minister are not taking the setback lying down.The youths today called a press conference in which they declared their readiness to defy the Kyankwanzi resolution and instead throw their weight behind Mbabazi, also NRM secretary general, when the partys delegates conference comes up next year.They also accused President Museveni of seeking to lock some people out of the presidential race. The pro-Mbabazi youths believe the resolution was a scheme to lock out their man as well as other senior NRM members, who might be interested in challenging Museveni for the top job.But senior NRM party officials today responded angrily to the rebel youths so-called Sheraton Declaration, saying the matter was sealed.Hours after the youths met the media, NRM caucus leaders led by Chief Whip Justine Kasule Lumumba told journalists at the Media Centre that the youths declaration does not change what transpired at Kyankwanzi.We strongly disassociate ourselves from the youths pronouncement because the party caucus took a decision which was unanimously supported by almost everyone who was in Kyankwanzi, including the Prime Minister Mbabazi, their own, so if they go against that decision, it would mean that they are contesting against their own, said Lumumba.The declaration is the latest twist in the high-stakes political game that has gripped the country over the last two weeks. It all started in Kyankwanzi when a group of youthful MPs crafted a resolution endorsing Museveni as NRMs sole flag bearer in the 2016 elections.This appeared to have targeted Mbabazi, the secretary general, who was said to be building a power base to anchor his presidential ambitions. In the aftermath of the decision, some political observers said Mbabazis political career was all but over.But it appears his supporters have not given up. Walusimbi Shakur, the NRM national youth vice chairperson for central region who signed the declaration, described Mbabazi as loyal, disciplined, committed and devoted to the NRM.As a reward, we have decided to back him as our presidential candidate, Walusimbi told journalists at Makerere University guest house today.The youth leaders said it was a pity that some party leaders, including Museveni, have been at the forefront of fomenting cliques and trying to lock out some people. The youth leaders at the press conference included Walusimbi (Central region), Adam Buyinza Luzindana (Kampala), Omodo Omodo (northern Uganda) and William Seruyinda (Buganda region).They displayed a spear and a shield, which they said they would hand over to Mbabazi as a sign of protection.
This is a revolution of young and focused leaders to liberate their country from political turmoil which is likely to face our country. We have had the NRA/NRM liberation struggle which was militaristic but ours is ideological and democratic, partly reads the declaration.Omodo Omodo said the Kyankwanzi resolution violated rule 6 (a)(2) of the partys code of conduct which requires all party members to listen to other peoples opinion.
This is a revolution of young and focused leaders to liberate their country from political turmoil which is likely to face our country. We have had the NRA/NRM liberation struggle which was militaristic but ours is ideological and democratic, partly reads the declaration.Omodo Omodo said the Kyankwanzi resolution violated rule 6 (a)(2) of the partys code of conduct which requires all party members to listen to other peoples opinion.