KAMPALA — Kilak North MP Anthony Akol has defended the decision-making processes within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), emphasizing consultation and consensus-building ahead of the party’s anticipated caucus engagements in Kyankwanzi.
Speaking during an appearance on NBS Morning Breeze, Akol said positions within the party’s top organ, the Central Executive Committee (CEC), are not imposed but subjected to internal discussion and voting.
“The position of CEC is normally presented to the caucus, discussed, and then the caucus votes on it,” he said.
Akol, who recently crossed from the opposition to align with the NRM, also addressed criticism surrounding his political stance, insisting his principles remain unchanged.
“The passion I had before is the same passion I have. I haven’t been compromised in any way. If there is something I want to talk about, I talk about it,” he said.
On internal party dynamics, Akol stressed the importance of unity, noting that the NRM brings together individuals from diverse political backgrounds.
“The NRM party leadership wants cohesion. There are people who come from other parties and organisations so it’s important to make sure there is consensus,” he said.
He also weighed in on political discourse surrounding the Speakership race, taking a swipe at Norbert Mao, suggesting his approach may not have effectively targeted key decision-makers.
“I have spoken to many members of NRM and I realised that Mao wasn’t speaking to the voters of Speakership but he was in the media,” Akol said.
However, he welcomed Mao’s expected participation in the upcoming Kyankwanzi discussions, saying it would provide a more direct platform for engagement.
“I am personally excited that Norbert Mao is coming to Kyankwanzi. Let him raise his issues to the voters,” he added.
Addressing long-standing perceptions about Kyankwanzi as a political indoctrination hub, Akol dismissed such claims, drawing from both past criticism and his current experience.
“When I was in Opposition, we used to criticise Kyankwanzi as a place where they brainwash people. I am now interested in listening,” he said.
“I spent the past two days finding out from the people who have been to Kyankwanzi before and there is no brainwashing being done. People discuss issues and deliberate on matters.”
Kyankwanzi has historically served as a strategic retreat venue for NRM legislators, where key party positions and national policy directions are often discussed and agreed upon.
Akol’s remarks come amid heightened political activity within the ruling party, as members prepare for internal consultations that could shape future leadership decisions and legislative priorities.
