Top Story: NRM Disburses Shs 20 Billion to Delegates Amid Chaos at National Conference
KAMPALA — The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has disbursed over Shs 20 billion in cash to support the 25,000 delegates attending its ongoing National Delegates’ Conference at Kololo Independence Grounds, following mounting complaints over poor conditions and logistical disarray.
Each delegate initially received Shs 700,000 for meals and accommodation. However, despite the party providing free meals throughout the day, reports of overcrowded sleeping arrangements, poor hygiene facilities, and long queues for basic services triggered outrage among attendees. In response, party chairman Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ordered an additional Shs 100,000 per delegate as compensation for the hardships, particularly during the Special Interest Group (SIG) elections.
The announcement was made by NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong while presiding over the party’s Women’s League elections. He delivered apologies from Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo and President Museveni, both of whom were absent, but had directed the additional cash support to ease tensions.
“We are sorry for the challenges you’ve faced,” Todwong told delegates. “The President has heard your concerns and is committed to supporting you.”
Some delegates described extreme discomfort, with many reportedly sleeping on the floor inside Kololo stadium. Lomer Celestine Maniman Lolachat, a delegate from Nabilatuk district, shared a grim account: “We have not bathed for days. We are now smelling each other. There are no proper sanitary disposal facilities, and the situation is becoming a health risk.”
The conditions particularly affected women, many of whom expressed concern about being separated from their children longer than expected due to delays in the election process. Despite the challenges, the conference continues, bringing together party delegates from across Uganda for internal elections and policy discussions ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Among the key highlights was the election of Adrine Kobusingye as head of the Women’s League, defeating runner-up Faridah Kibowa, who had been backed mid-process by outgoing league chairperson Lydia Wanyoto Mutende after she stepped down.
In regional races, Enid Mwesigye clinched the Vice Chairperson (Western Uganda) seat with 1,704 votes.
The conference is set to conclude Thursday, with several high-stakes races still to be decided — including the hotly contested position of 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female), where former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga faces off against her successor, Anita Annet Among, after both refused to step down for the other.
Despite promises from party officials to improve conditions, frustrations remain high, turning what was meant to be a showcase of party strength into a logistical and political stress test.
