As the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) intensifies its internal nomination process ahead of the 2026 general elections, top party leaders and aspiring candidates are urging unity and a legislative agenda that prioritizes poverty eradication.
Aspirants are turning up in large numbers at the NRM Electoral Commission offices in Kampala for the two-week nomination exercise, which is being supervised by the commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi.
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, who was nominated as the NRM flagbearer for Buyanja County, called on fellow party candidates to work towards building a strong Parliament that addresses the needs of ordinary Ugandans.
“We want a powerful Parliament which will make sure that nobody is poor in Uganda,” said the 81-year-old minister during a brief interaction with other aspirants. Kasaija, however, declined to speak formally to the media.
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda said she is ready to present her manifesto to the people of Budiope West in Buyende District following her nomination. She pledged to address long-standing service delivery challenges in the area.
Babalanda described herself as a tested, loyal and dependable cadre. She said these qualities earned her the trust of President Yoweri Museveni even before she entered Parliament. She emphasized her commitment to advancing the President’s wealth creation programs in her constituency.
“Now I am done with nomination, I am going back to the people. They called me, and here I am,” Babalanda said.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong said the party is introducing measures to manage campaign activities and reduce tensions among aspirants. He highlighted the importance of unity throughout the primaries.
Referring to the cancelled Ssembabule District elections for the NRM Chairperson seat, Todwong said the party is preparing for a third attempt at mediation. If that fails, a final decision will be made.
The contest involves retired Major General Phinehas Katirima Manoni and State Minister for Health Hanifa Kawooya Bangirana. Some members have suggested that Kawooya step aside due to her ministerial duties, a proposal she does not support.
Todwong also expressed concern over the large number of aspirants picking nomination forms. He revealed that more than 2,000 individuals have collected forms to contest in 500 parliamentary constituencies.
He urged those who may lose in the primaries not to run as independents and instead support party cohesion.
He added that the strong turnout for the primaries reflects the NRM’s continued popularity across the country. The nomination process will run until June 30, 2025, and security has been increased at nomination venues to ensure order.
Several prominent figures have already been nominated for various positions. Lydia Wanyoto is seeking to represent Mbale City as Woman MP.
Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye is contesting for Sheema North, while Annet Nabirye is running for Luuka District Woman MP. Sarah Kataike is vying for Budaka Woman MP, and Vincent Birimuye is seeking to represent Bukoto Mid-West in Lwengo District.
Former Agriculture Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja is in the race for Kalungu East. State Minister for Kampala Metropolitan Affairs Kyofatogabye Kabuye has been nominated for Nakaseke Central Constituency. Winifred Chemutai is contesting for the position of LC5 Chairperson for Kween District.
Princess Abwooli Kabakumba Masiko is running for Masindi District Woman MP. State Minister Princess Persis Namuganza is seeking to represent Bukono County Constituency.
Also nominated is Paul Akamba, who is seeking a third term as MP for Busiki County. Akamba told Uganda Radio Network that he plans to complete several development projects he started. These include extending piped water and lobbying for the construction of secondary schools in five underserved sub-counties.
By the end of the first day of nominations, close to 1,000 candidates had been successfully nominated out of more than 2,700 who collected nomination forms.
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