KAMPALA, Uganda — 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.
While each delegate initially received Shs 700,000 for meals and accommodation, the party provided additional funds to address mounting complaints about poor living conditions, inadequate hygiene facilities, and logistical challenges.
The additional payment of Shs 100,000 per delegate was ordered by party chairman, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as compensation for the inconveniences experienced during the Special Interest Group (SIG) elections.
The announcement was made by the party’s secretary general, Richard Todwong, during the Women’s League elections.
Todwong conveyed apologies from both NRM Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo and Chairman Museveni, who were absent but had instructed him to ensure delegates received the extra support.
Some delegates admitted that they had already spent their initial funds and were forced to sleep on the floor inside the stadium. Lomer Celestine Maniman Lolachat, a delegate from Nabilatuk district, highlighted 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 also cited the lack of sanitary disposal facilities, warning of a potential health hazard. Other female delegates raised concerns about being away from their children for longer than anticipated due to the prolonged election process.
While meals and tea are provided at the venue, long queues for washrooms and other services remain a major source of 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 funds would be distributed after voting.
The conference is scheduled to run 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, who are both vying for the position of 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female).
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Last week, the party decided to leave the decision to the delegates after the two refused to step down for each other.
In the Women’s League elections held on Tuesday at Kololo, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi declared Adrine Kobusingye the winner. Delegates voted by lining up behind their preferred candidates.
Incumbent Lydia Wanyoto Mutende withdrew mid-process after realizing her support was dwindling and endorsed Faridah Kibowa, who eventually finished second with 670 votes.
Kobusingye emerged victorious, while several of the other eight candidates either withdrew or received fewer than 20 votes. In a regional contest, Enid Mwesigye secured 1,704 votes to become the Vice Chairperson of the Women’s League for Western Uganda.