By Tolit Ivan
Former opposition party members in Acholi sub region who recently crossed to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party have all picked nomination forms to contest under the ruling party tickets.
They include Ojara Martine Mapenduzi who is seeking re-election as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bar-dege-Layibi Division, Anthony Akol, the incumbent MP for Kilak North also seeking re-election and Michael Lakony, the Amuru District LCV Chairperson who is eyeing the Kilak South parliamentary seat.
The three are expected to battle it out in the NRM Party primaries for the party’s flag.
The nomination exercise is set to start on June 17th to June 30th 2025, while the primaries are set for July 16th.
Every candidate, regardless of their status or political standing, are expected undergo verification and clearance by the Directorate of Legal Services before nomination, according to guidelines issued by the party ahead of its primaries.
Aspirants must also be registered in the party’s register, affirming their status as members eligible to participate in internal party structures and primaries.
The guidelines also set a clear threshold, particularly for those aspiring to the positions of Member of Parliament or Local Government Council V Chairperson. The minimum academic requirement for such positions is the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), with an accompanying letter of verification from the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
