ENTEBBE – President Yoweri Museveni has signalled continued confidence in Bukono County MP Persis Namuganza after personally nominating her for a position on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC), despite her current status as an independent Member of Parliament.
The nomination, however, did not go through after lawyers from the NRM Secretariat reportedly advised the party leadership that the NRM constitution and relevant laws do not permit independent Members of Parliament to serve on the CEC.
During a closed-door CEC meeting held at State House Entebbe, members approved four of the five nominees presented by NRM National Chairman, President Museveni.
The approved nominees are Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Lenia Charity, Hon. Magode Okuya, and Prof. Waswa Balunywa.
Sources familiar with the meeting say Namuganza’s nomination was set aside after the legal opinion was presented to the committee. It is also understood that Hon. Kasolo argued that the vacant position should be allocated to the Central Region. However, no consensus was reached, and the position was left vacant.
A close associate of Namuganza from Bukono County maintained that the President’s decision to personally nominate her demonstrates the confidence the NRM National Chairman continues to have in her despite her independent status.
Political observers say President Museveni’s decision to nominate Namuganza may be interpreted as a sign that he still values her contribution to the ruling party, even though she contested the parliamentary election as an independent and currently serves in Parliament in that capacity while remaining associated with the NRM.
The CEC meeting also designated three party representatives to the Pan-African Parliament in South Africa. The nominees are Hon. Anthony Akol, Hon. Arinaitwe Rwakajara, and Hon. Sarah Najjuma.
In addition, the committee discussed several internal party matters involving district leaders, including Susan Jolly Abeja (Otuke District Woman Representative), Nakut Faith (Napak District Woman Representative), and Ababiku Jessica (Adjumani District Woman Representative).
Although Namuganza was not approved for the CEC position due to legal considerations, her nomination by President Museveni has sparked discussion within NRM circles, with some members viewing it as a clear indication that the party chairman continues to have confidence in the Bukono legislator.