The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has released at least Shs 20 billion in cash to support its 25,000 delegates attending the ongoing National Delegates’ Conference at Kololo, Kampala. The party leadership said the money was meant to cover accommodation, meals and other expenses during the week-long gathering.
Each delegate was initially given Shs 700,000 to cover basic welfare needs, even though the party has been providing free meals throughout the event. However, many participants complained about poor living conditions, poor sanitation, and disorganised logistics at the venue. In response, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also doubles as party chairman, ordered an additional Shs 100,000 for each delegate as compensation.
The announcement was made by the NRM secretary general, Richard Todwong, while presiding over the Women’s League elections on Tuesday. He conveyed apologies from Museveni and the party’s vice chairperson, Alhaji Moses Kigongo, both of whom were absent but instructed that the facilitation be given without delay.
Despite the cash support, several delegates described tough conditions at Kololo. Some said they had already finished their initial allowances and were forced to sleep on the floor inside the stadium. One of the delegates, Ms. Lomer Celestine Maniman Lolachat from Nabilatuk District, described the difficult experience faced by women during the conference.
“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 said.
Lolachat further complained about the absence of sanitary facilities for women, warning that the situation could quickly turn into a health hazard. She also noted that many female delegates had been kept away from their children for longer than expected because of delays in the election process.
Even though the party has been providing meals and tea at the venue, delegates have to endure long queues for food, water and washrooms. Party officials admitted that the situation was not ideal and promised to improve arrangements. Todwong appealed for patience, urging delegates to remain united and focused on the bigger purpose of the gathering. He assured them that the additional allowance would be distributed after voting.
The Kololo conference, which runs until Thursday, has brought together party delegates from across Uganda for policy discussions, strategy sessions and elections as the NRM prepares for the 2026 general polls. Among the key contests on the agenda is the vote for the Central Executive Committee (CEC), which remains the party’s top decision-making organ.
The most anticipated battle is between former Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, and her successor, Anita Annet Among, who are competing for the influential position of 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female). Last week, the party leadership failed to broker a deal for one of them to step down, leaving the decision in the hands of the delegates.
Meanwhile, the NRM Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, on Tuesday declared Adrine Kobusingye the winner of the Women’s League elections held at Kololo. Delegates voted by queuing behind their chosen candidates, a system widely used in the party’s internal polls.
Incumbent Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, sensing her support was fading, pulled out midway and endorsed another candidate, Faridah Kibowa. Kibowa went on to secure 670 votes, finishing in second place. Kobusingye emerged victorious after securing majority support.
In regional contests, Enid Mwesigye polled 1,704 votes to become Vice Chairperson of the Women’s League for Western Uganda. Several other aspirants in the race failed to make a mark, with some withdrawing and others recording less than 20 votes.
The NRM leadership has repeatedly defended its practice of giving cash to delegates, saying it is part of facilitation for travel, meals and accommodation. But critics often question the scale of spending, especially in a country where many citizens are struggling with high inflation and basic service delivery challenges.
For now, the Kololo conference remains a crucial stage for Uganda’s ruling party as it tries to maintain internal unity, prepare for 2026 elections and address the concerns of its grassroots members.
