Otafiire brings former parliamentary candidates together across political divide

What the report says

Nile Post reported that former parliamentary candidates from several rival political groupings in Uganda have created the Former Parliamentary Candidates Forum, a platform intended to keep unsuccessful contestants involved in public service, unity efforts and community development. The initiative brings together people who ran under the National Resistance Movement, National Unity Platform, Forum for Democratic Change, Democratic Party and as independents.

The forum was launched with the backing of Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister of Water and Environment and a member of the NRM Central Executive Committee. According to the report, Otafiire said losing an election should not stop a person from contributing to society, and that as a public servant he must engage Ugandans across party lines. He also said the group could help former candidates present concerns collectively to the ruling party and other relevant authorities.

Forum chairperson Boniface Tugume said many losing candidates feel abandoned or sidelined by their parties after elections. He appealed to President Yoweri Museveni, as NRM chairman, to consider support and opportunities for former candidates who still want to serve their communities. Tugume also encouraged cooperation with elected leaders, saying public work should continue after campaigns end.

Nile Post reported that Otafiire contributed to the forum’s SACCO, which is meant to help members mobilise resources and support community initiatives. Former candidates named in the report included Dr Grace Ninsiima of Kitagwenda District and Counsel Nicholas Ndyakira of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality. The development matters because it signals an attempt to organize politically diverse former aspirants around post-election civic engagement rather than campaign competition.