Kampala — Aspirants who lose party primaries and attempt to run as independents face the risk of losing their positions in Uganda’s two largest political parties, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the National Unity Platform (NUP), as both parties clamp down ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The warnings come amid heightened political activity following internal primaries and vetting processes.
While victorious flag bearers celebrate, many losing candidates are considering independent bids — a move both parties say will not be tolerated.
Salim Uhuru, NRM Central Executive Committee member and Vice Chairperson for Kampala Region, affirmed the party’s strict stance:
“Anyone holding a position in the NRM who chooses to go independent must resign with immediate effect. We will not tolerate indiscipline,” he said.
The directive aligns with the NRM constitution, Article 4(5), which states:
“A member who contests against an official party flag bearer shall be deemed to have ceased to be a member of the party.”
Similarly, NUP has warned its members that defying party-endorsed candidates risks immediate expulsion. George Musisi, NUP legal counsel, emphasized:
“Our constitution is clear — members who defy party directives automatically lose their membership and must reapply if they wish to return.” Article 5(b) of the NUP constitution states:
“A member who stands in an election against a candidate duly endorsed by the party shall cease to be a member with immediate effect.”
Political analysts say the measures are intended to strengthen party discipline. Henry Muguzi, Executive Director of the Alliance for Finance Monitoring (ACFIM), noted:
“This is a necessary step to instill discipline in our multiparty system. Political parties cannot operate effectively if their members disrespect internal processes.”
Jocylyn Ekochu, Executive Director of the Center for Women in Democracy, added:
“Running as an independent after losing primaries undermines party structures and promotes political opportunism.”
With dozens of NRM and NUP aspirants reportedly considering independent bids, party leadership is intensifying efforts to compel members to make binding decisions before the nominations window closes.
As political temperatures rise, Uganda’s parties are signaling a clear message: defiance of internal party directives comes with a steep political cost.
