The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson for Buganda Region, Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, has criticised a party directive seeking to bar candidates who lose in party primaries from contesting as independents in national elections, branding it legally flawed and unconstitutional.
“There is no constitutional provision that bars any Ugandan from contesting for office simply because they lost a party primary,” Kiwanda said.
“This regulation cannot stand unless it is passed into law by Parliament.”
The ruling party has in recent years raised concerns about members who defy internal election results and contest as independents—a trend it says undermines party cohesion and has, in some cases, cost it parliamentary and local council seats.
In response, NRM leaders have proposed disciplinary measures, including denying support and resources to those who break ranks.
But Kiwanda has warned that such rules are unenforceable and risk alienating members.
He said no party guideline can override constitutional freedoms and noted that the Electoral Commission is bound by national laws, not party structures.
“You cannot issue guidelines that override the Constitution. Unless Parliament enacts a law to that effect, the party cannot stop any citizen from seeking nomination through the Electoral Commission,” he said.
Legal experts agree with Kiwanda’s interpretation, emphasising that political party primaries are internal arrangements that do not have the force of law.
Uganda’s Constitution guarantees the right of every citizen to seek elective office as long as they meet the qualifications set out by the Electoral Commission, regardless of party affiliation or internal disputes.
Kiwanda also warned that the regulation could worsen internal divisions and encourage more independents to emerge in the 2026 general elections.
“Instead of controlling the situation, we may end up encouraging more defiance. People will run as independents not out of disloyalty, but because they feel unjustly restricted,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when the NRM is holding internal consultations on strategies to strengthen party discipline ahead of what is expected to be a competitive election cycle.
While party leaders push for cohesion, Kiwanda has urged them to pursue unity through fairness, dialogue, and respect for the law.
“The party must focus on building internal consensus and addressing grievances within our structures,” he said. “If we are to grow stronger, we must not shut doors on our own people with rules that have no legal standing.”
Kiwanda's comments are likely to stir further debate within the party, especially among grassroots members and aspiring candidates concerned about internal democracy.