NRM delegates pocket Shs 20bn cash as Museveni orders extra pay

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has disbursed at least Shs 20 billion in cash to its 25,000 delegates attending the ongoing National Delegates’ Conference at Kololo.

Each delegate initially received Shs 700,000 for meals and accommodation, despite the party providing free meals throughout the day. However, mounting complaints over poor living conditions, inadequate hygiene facilities, and logistical challenges prompted party chairman, Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, to order an additional Shs 100,000 for each delegate as compensation for the inconveniences during the Special Interest Group (SIG) elections.

The announcement was delivered by the party’s secretary general, Richard Todwong, while presiding over the Women’s League elections. He conveyed apologies from NRM vice chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo and chairman Museveni, who were both absent, but had instructed him to ensure that delegates receive the additional support.

Some delegates admitted they had already exhausted their initial facilitation and were forced to sleep on the floor inside the stadium. Lomer Celestine Maniman Lolachat, a delegate from Nabilatuk district, described the hardships many women had endured.

“We have gone through a lot of inconveniences as women. Some of us have not bathed for days. We are now smelling each other,” she lamented.

Lolachat further cited the lack of sanitary disposal facilities, warning of a looming health hazard. Other female delegates raised concerns about being away from their children longer than expected due to the prolonged election process.

Although meals and tea are provided at the venue, long queues for washrooms and other services remain a major frustration. The Kololo conference brings together NRM delegates from across the country for elections, policy discussions, and strategy sessions ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Party officials acknowledged the challenges and promised to improve arrangements. Todwong appealed for patience and unity, assuring delegates that the additional facilitation would be distributed after voting.

The conference runs until Thursday, with several elections still on the agenda, including the much-anticipated vote for the Central Executive Committee (CEC). The most closely watched race is between former speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga and her successor Anita Annet Among, both contesting for the position of 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female).

Last week, the party resolved to leave the decision to delegates after the two refused to step down for each other. Meanwhile, NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi declared Adrine Kobusingye the winner of the Women’s League elections held on Tuesday at Kololo.

Delegates voted by lining up behind their preferred candidates. Incumbent Lydia Wanyoto Mutende bowed out mid-process after realising her dwindling support and instead backed Faridah Kibowa, who eventually finished second with 670 votes.

Kobusingye emerged victorious, while several of the eight other candidates either withdrew or polled fewer than 20 votes. In regional contests, Enid Mwesigye secured 1,704 votes to become Vice Chairperson of the Women’s League for Western Uganda.