NRM fires five district chairpersons for contesting against party flagbearers

Kampala, Wednesday, May 6, 2026 — The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has suspended five district chairpersons for contesting as independent candidates against official party flag bearers, in a move aimed at enforcing discipline within its ranks.

The Secretary General, Richard Todwong, said the affected leaders were directed by the party’s Central Executive Committee to step aside after violating the NRM constitution and electoral guidelines.

“Those who chose to contest as independents went against the party position. The Central Executive Committee directed that they step aside from their roles,” Todwong said.

He clarified that their reinstatement will depend on a review and final decision by the Central Executive Committee.

“I do not have the authority to reinstate them. Their return will depend on the decision of the Central Executive Committee,” he added.

The disciplinary action underscores the ruling party’s firm stance on internal cohesion following an election cycle that saw some members defy party positions.

In the same meeting held at the NRM Secretariat in Kampala on Wednesday, Todwong rallied district party structures to maintain momentum after the party’s decisive electoral victory and to mobilize for the upcoming inauguration of President Yoweri Museveni.

Addressing district chairpersons and administrative secretaries, Todwong credited grassroots leaders for delivering a strong national performance, noting that the party secured 71.6 percent in the presidential vote, with most districts registering over 70 percent support.

“This victory belongs to you,” he said. “It is proof that when we work together as a team, the NRM becomes even stronger.”

He highlighted the party’s dominance across elective positions, including district chairperson seats and local councils, describing the outcome as a clear demonstration of the NRM’s continued popularity and organizational strength nationwide.

Todwong urged leaders to sustain the momentum by updating party structures at the village level, particularly by verifying candidates for LC1 positions across all villages ahead of upcoming electoral processes.

He also reiterated efforts to strengthen coordination between party and government structures, including proposed amendments to enhance the role of NRM leaders within local government executive systems.

Reflecting on the campaigns, Todwong attributed success to a strong presidential candidate and a people-centered manifesto focused on improving household incomes and addressing everyday challenges faced by Ugandans.

“Our message resonated with wananchi because it spoke directly to their needs,” he said, applauding district leaders for effective mobilization that ensured high turnout at rallies nationwide.

Turning to preparations for the presidential swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 12, 2026, at Kololo Independence Grounds, Todwong called on district leaders to mobilize delegations from their areas to witness the historic event.

“As stakeholders in this victory, it is important that we come together to witness the inauguration of our President,” he noted.

He revealed that the ceremony is expected to attract significant international attention, with several fraternal political parties from across Africa and beyond confirming participation. He encouraged district leaders to be ready to engage with visiting delegations and showcase the party’s achievements and grassroots strength.

On internal party matters, Todwong reaffirmed the importance of discipline, noting that cases involving members who contested as independents are being handled in accordance with party structures.

He also outlined plans to strengthen the party’s institutional capacity through the construction of district offices and a permanent national headquarters, urging districts with available land to coordinate with the Secretariat.

In a bid to consolidate unity, he announced a nationwide reconciliation process to be undertaken after the inauguration to address internal differences that arose during the electoral period.

“The strength of the NRM lies in unity and discipline,” he said. “We must move forward together as one family.”

Meanwhile, the party’s National Treasurer, Barbara Nekesa Oundo, said a number of activities had been lined up ahead of the inauguration ceremony and commended district officials for their coordinated role in the campaigns.

“The just concluded campaigns that led to the NRM mass victory were largely structure-led under the central coordination of the Secretariat,” she said. “This central command created cohesion and eliminated fragmented mobilization efforts.”

The meeting was attended by members of the Party Central Executive Committee and top leadership of the NRM Secretariat.