The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has officially kicked off its highly anticipated parliamentary primaries, marking a pivotal moment in Uganda’s political landscape as the party selects its flag bearers for the 2026 general elections.
Across the country’s constituencies, nearly 3,000 candidates are competing for 353 direct Member of Parliament (MP) seats and 146 women’s MP slots.
Early reports suggest a peaceful and well-organized process, with impressive voter turnout and minimal incidents.
A source within the NRM disclosed that in Arua District, the primaries have set a new standard for transparent competition.
Both seasoned politicians and fresh faces have engaged voters with issue-driven campaigns, focusing on policy discussions rather than personal attacks.
“We’ve witnessed mature politics here, with high participation and no incidents,” an election official in Arua Municipality reported.
The source said that in the Kigezi Sub-region, covering Kabale, Rubanda, and Rukiga, the primaries have demonstrated remarkable discipline despite the fierce competition.
Local officials confirmed that all candidates adhered to campaign guidelines, and the election results reflect voters’ genuine preferences.
“This process was exemplary in its transparency and fairness,” a local electoral official said.
The source noted that, President Yoweri Museveni has consistently emphasized the importance of democratic competition within the party.
“This process is about selecting the best leaders for Uganda’s future,” President Museveni stated.
His message has resonated throughout the country, with candidates focusing on policy debates and ideas rather than resorting to personal attacks.
The source noted that, the NRM Electoral Commission, under the leadership of Dr. Tanga Odoi, has taken robust measures to ensure the credibility of the primaries.
He added that, in Gulu District, the process has been hailed as a model of efficiency, with thorough voter verification and transparent tallying.
“We’ve set new standards for internal elections,” a returning officer in Gulu City declared.
As the NRM moves closer to finalizing its list of candidates, the primaries have not only showcased the party’s commitment to internal democracy but also highlighted areas for future improvement.
The successful management of this complex exercise positions NRM as Uganda’s most institutionalized political party ahead of the critical 2026 elections.
Independent observers and NRM Electoral Commission officials reported that 89% of polling stations experienced peaceful voting, while the number of female candidates has risen to 27% (up from 22% in 2020). This increase in female representation is seen as a significant step toward greater inclusivity.
The NRM’s ability to conduct credible primaries while effectively managing internal competition will have a lasting impact on Uganda’s political trajectory as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections. With its successful primary process, NRM is setting a strong example of internal democracy and party discipline in Uganda’s political arena.
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