Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has refuted claims that the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is merely a rubber stamp for President Museveni.
Speaking on NBS Morning Breeze on Wednesday, Baryomunsi argued that such perceptions arise because CEC meetings are held behind closed doors.
"The perception that NRM CEC is a rubber stamp tool for the President is not true. I think the reason this perception exists is because our CEC meetings are behind closed doors," he said.
CEC, which Baryomunsi equated to the board of directors of a company, is the party's highest organ responsible for decision-making and guiding the party's strategy.
Baryomunsi emphasised that the NRM fosters internal democracy and competition.
"Within NRM, we promote competition and democratic participation. Competitive elections are healthy because NRM promotes democracy," he said, adding that the party encourages all eligible members to contest for various positions.
Reflecting on his personal journey to CEC, Baryomunsi noted that his campaign expenses were minimal, with fuel being his primary cost as he traversed the country to meet delegates.
"I didn't spend millions to get into CEC. I was probably one of the poorest contestants. People voted for me because of the ideas I had to take the party forward," he stated.
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According to Baryomunsi, the growing interest in CEC positions is a testament to the committee's elevated profile.
"We have raised the profile of CEC, that's why you see many people are interested in the positions. Many people didn't know about NRM CEC until some of us joined," he said.
The minister, who previously served as a backbench member of Parliament, highlighted his legislative contributions, including sponsoring a private member's bill to regulate tobacco use, which earned him recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO).
o"Being in Parliament is one thing. Having an impact is another. Some people are just a statistic in Parliament. You can scratch your head trying to think of any meaningful contribution some have made on the floor," he noted.
Baryomunsi also clarified the distinction between CEC and the NRM Secretariat, explaining that while the Secretariat serves as the party's technical arm, CEC functions as its board of directors, as prescribed by the party's constitution.
