Capt Babu Steps Down for Kigongo after Talks With President Museveni

Capt Francis Babu has dropped his quest for the position of 1st Vice chairperson in the National Resistance Movement Central Executive (NRM CEC) race, leaving veteran politician Moses Kigongo unopposed.

This follows a meeting with the NRM party chairman who is also the President -- Mr Museveni,

Capt. Francis Babu said that after a dialogue with President Museveni, they have agreed mutually for the benefit and good of the NRM party that they make the status quo hold so that they can balance the strength together.

"After talking for a long time for the good of our party, we have agreed. I will voluntarily step down and let the other contestant continue. My decision has been done in very good faith and I accept it," Capt. Francis Babu said.

In a tweet, Mr Museveni confirmed that Babu had stepped down, commending him for exhibiting comradeship and solidarity.

"As we conclude the process, Captain Francis Babu, one of our own long-standing cadres and a worthy contender, having expressed interest in the position of 1st Vice Chairperson and being seconded by CEC, has pulled out of the race in good faith, for the benefit of the party.

"While I commend Capt Babu’s exhibition of comradeship and solidarity, I congratulate all the participants in ongoing party activities. It is my pleasure to witness the hive of activity and the number of people involved in building cohesion & continuity," Mr Museveni said in the tweet.

Over the last few days, Mr Museveni has chaired the vetting meetings by the Central Executive Committee (CEC) to draft a shortlist that will be forwarded to the National Executive Committee for voting.

The internal processes of the NRM are always competitive across the country, usually attracting many competitors. This year, several opposition politicians have been seen and heard discussing the processes in the NRM although they should ideally be busy with their own internal party activities.