Tough conditions for Rebel NRM MPs even after Museveni forgave them

The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) will decide on the fate of rebel MPs even after party chairman President Yoweri Museveni forgave them.

The NRM MPs, 16 in number, voted to maintain the age limit clause yet the party wanted it removed to allow President Museveni run for office after the age of 75.

They met Museveni at State House Entebbe and begged for forgiveness from his and his NRM party for straying from the party position.

The 16 rebel MPs Museveni forgave at State House Meeting

1. Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga)
2. Barnabas Tinkasimire (Buyaga West)
3. Mbwatekamwa Gaffa (Kasambya)
4. Muyanja Ssenyonga (Mukono South)
5. Kibalya Maurice (Bugabula South)
6. Sylvia Rwabwogo (Kabarole Woman
7. Sam Lyomoki (Workers)
8. Michael Timuzigu (Kajara)
9. Moses Adome (Jie)
10. Susan Amero (Amuria Woman)
11. James Kaberuka (Kinkizi West)
12. Robert Migadde (Buvuma)
13. Sarah Nakawunde (Mpigi Woman)
14. Evelyn Chemutai (Bukwo Woman)
15. Dennis Sabiiti (Rubanda)
16. Anthony Semuli (Mubende Municipality)

“We are here as your sons and daughters, we are purely NRM in blood,” said Amoding on behalf of the rebel MPs. “We request you to forgive us and we move on; we are here to work with you, sir.”

“When duty calls we are here and ready for deployment,” pledged Tinkasiimire.

Museveni said he had forgive the rebel MPs — just like he forgave them in the run-up to the 2016 elections.

While they may not agree with the party’s positions, the rebel MPs are aware of the resources and support the party wields, and how this is key for their return to Parliament.

Museveni’s meeting with the NRM rebel MPs was a recommendation by CEC members who attended the July 16 meeting.

“I made their case before the party’s Central Executive Committee yesterday [July 16] which resolved that for the party’s cohesion and discipline, we interact further and guide these MPs,” Museveni revealed.

Museveni told the MPs to concern themselves with “the future and survival of the African race.”

“That is what is critical, especially when we don’t have a strong nation like USA, China or India, as our anchor,” he urged.

He further told them to “avoid politics of tribe and identity,” embrace patriotism, unity and to work “for the prosperity of their people” because “that’s the most important thing.”

“Our people are waking up. It explains why we have bumper production of milk, sugar, bananas, etc.”

CONDITION FOR NRM REBEL MPS’ ‘READMISSION’

The rebel MPs are aware that most of their counterparts and CEC members who toe the party line would want them punished.

Some NRM leaders feel Museveni has always handled this group of MPs with kid’s gloves, and they would want him to use his authority to crack the whip on these legislators.

According to NRM Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba, CEC has resolved that the 16 errant MPs put in writing the resolutions from their meeting with Museveni.

After submitting the terms and commitments from the State House meeting, Lumumba went on, they will wait for official communication on the decision of the party.