KAMPALA – The NRM electoral commission has said it will not nominate candidates for the newly created constituencies until the national Electoral Commission (EC) gives them a go-ahead.
Parliament last week approved the creation of 46 new counties and a new constituency -Nakawa West. This followed the recent clearance by Cabinet.
But Dr Tanga Odoi, the NRM electoral commission chairperson, said they are yet to be permitted by the EC on whether people can compete for the new positions.
“We are now waiting for the Electoral Commission to give us the direction. So for those who want to aspire for the new constituencies, please wait, hold your breath, we shall give you a window and you express interest. But if you have picked nominations and paid the shs2M for MP. Keep the receipt and wait for that declaration by EC,” Dr Odoi said.
The deputy spokesperson of the EC, Mr Paul Bukenya they are waiting for communication from Parliament before they issue guidelines for the said constituencies.
Meanwhile, the NRM has seat nomination dates for MPs, LCV seats
On 10th and 11th August, MP and LCV chairpersons from western region will be nominated.
From 12-13th August, MP and LCV chairpersons from northern region, West Nile and Karamoja will be nominated.
From 14-15 August, it will be MPs and LCV chairpersons for Central and Kampala region
17-18 August MP and LCV chairpersons for Eastern region
19 -20 August MP and LCV chairpersons for those that will have failed in the previous dates.
The approved new constituencies are Buhweju West, Buwekula South, Kiboga West, Lamwo East, Bugangaizi South, Chekwi East, West Budama Central, and Kwania North. On the same list are Buyanja East, Kagoma North, Ngariam, Agago West, Bukanga North, Bukimbiri and Nakaseke Central. These (15) were approved by Cabinet on June 15th.
The others are Kapere (Ngora district), Butiru (Manafwa), Kyoga North (Amolatar), Napero West (Karenga), Bukora East (Napak), Nwoya East (Nwoya), Namayingo South (Namayingo), Elgon North (Bulambuli), Samia Bugwe Central (Busia) and Mawogola West (Sembabule).
The list also has: Otuke East (Otuke), Ruhama East (Ntungamo), Isingiro West (Isingiro), Two county (Bukwo), Okyero (Kaberamaido), Soy (Kween), Namisindwa (Namisindwa), Gweli (Soroti), Pingire (Serere), Bukonko central (Mbale), Aringa East (Yumbe), Kyaka Central (Kyegegwa), Ruhinda South (Mitooma), Kyigai (Bududa), Gogonya (Palisa), Busiki North (Namutumba), Maruzi North (Apac), Rwampara East (Rwampara), Bugangahizi (Kikuube), West Budama North East (Tororo) and Dodoth North (Kaabong). These totaling 31 were approved by Cabinet on Monday 27th July.
Besides the new constituencies, Nakawa Division in Kampala district is also split into two constituencies.