By our reporter
“We are brothers and we commit to work together for our people and our party.” This was the vow made by Moses Balyeku (Jinja West) and Igeme Nabeta (Jinja East) yesterday during an NRM Jinja District delegate’s conference presided over by party chairman, President Yoweri Museveni.
The NRM leader’s meeting took place at the Civil Service College in Jinja Municipality ad over 1500 delegates from different administrative units attended.
Jinja East is headed for a parliamentary by-election and the conference was part of the preparatory activities.
Prior to his speech, members hinted on the existing conflict between the two leaders prompting Museveni to ask Balyeku to explain his position against Nabeta who is headed for a by-election on March 15.
President Museveni called for unity among NRM members, saying it was the cornerstone for a successful party, adding that people should rally around ideas and not personalities.
“From now Your Excellency, I pledge my commitment to Hon Nabeta and the people of Jinja East and I shall stand by my word”, apologetic Balyeku stated.
He added, “Being in Parliament with Hon Nabeta is more profitable to the people of Jinja than having Mwiru…. Hon Igeme, we are now brothers in both action and words. We shall score in the same goal and from now, judge me by results”.
Balyeku was also quick to call upon his followers to join him in the campaigns to return Nabeta to Parliament. ” I also take this opportunity to apologize to the people of Jinja East Constituency….. Forgive me for all the wrong I have committed against you”, a visibly apologetic Balyeku said.
The two later posed for a group photo with the National Chairman who congratulated the duo for burying their differences and accepted to work together. He said the two were still loyal party members and both voted for the amendment of Article 102(b).
He further warned party members against escalating conflicts amongst themselves but instead work towards unity.
Earlier on, the soft spoken Nabeta hailed the party leadership for the overwhelming support so far showed to him. He also apologized to whoever he had ever annoyed and promised better working relationship.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
