NRM Politics Is Informed by Science, Not Guesswork – Museveni

President Museveni of Uganda has emphasized that the political strategy of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is based on scientific principles rather than guesswork. Speaking at a political rally in Iceme Town Council while campaigning for Samuel Okello Engola, the NRM flag bearer in the upcoming Oyam North by-election, President Museveni highlighted the importance of a scientific approach to politics.

The by-election, scheduled for July 6, was prompted by the unfortunate death of former Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola Macodwogo, who was tragically killed by his bodyguard on May 2, 2023. The NRM aims to win the vacant seat and has rallied behind Samuel Okello Engola as their candidate.

President Museveni, who has held power since 1986, asserted that he does not seek personal gain from the government as he already possesses everything he needs at home, including his cattle. He emphasized that even during the resistance against former President Idi Amin, their objective was not personal gain but the welfare of the people. While the President reportedly receives a monthly salary of Shs3.6 million, the State House budget for the new financial year amounts to Shs239 billion.

The late Engola Macodwogo joined the NRM due to his clear-headedness and his enthusiasm for the prevailing peace in Oyam District. President Museveni stressed the importance of strong leadership in maintaining peace and urged the people of Oyam North to elect leaders who can guide them effectively. He cautioned against following leaders who may lead astray and urged the electorate to choose wisely.

President Museveni further encouraged voters to elect Samuel Okello Engola, highlighting his proximity to his late father and his potential to continue his unfinished work. The President expressed his preference for Engola, reasoning that the son might have learned from his father’s experiences and teachings.

In addition to President Museveni’s address, a small number of individuals, reportedly members of opposition parties such as Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), defected to the ruling party during the rally. Notable among the defectors were George Ojwang Opota, a UPC loyalist and Prime Minister of Tekwaro Lango or Lago cultural institution, as well as George Rashid Opio, a former speaker of Lira District representing the FDC. Mr. Opio acknowledged his previous resistance against the government but officially declared his defeat and joined the NRM.

Oyam District, the setting for the upcoming by-election, consists of 16 administrative units, 74 parishes, and 1,094 villages, encompassing two political constituencies: Oyam South and Oyam North. The district has a population of approximately 553,000, with around 187,000 registered voters. Benson Dila, the district chairman, stated that Oyam County alone accounts for 93,000 voters.