Political analyst and former Cheif Spy Charles Rwomushana has described the upcoming Member of Parliament (MP) nominations as an extension of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) election disputes tribunal, suggesting that some aspirants who were dissatisfied with the ruling party’s internal processes are now seeking to contest as independent candidates.
Speaking during NBS Barometer on Tuesday, Rwomushana noted that the results of the NRM tribunal, which was set up as an independent body to address grievances arising from the party’s July 17th primaries, was met with dissatisfaction from certain party members.
“The tribunal didn’t meet their expectations, and thus they’re coming back to contest as independents," Rwomushana said.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled the nomination of candidates for the 2026 Parliamentary Elections to take place on Wednesday, 22 October, and Thursday, 23 October 2025.
The process will cover 353 directly elected MPs, 146 District Woman Representatives, and 20 representatives for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), including older persons, persons with disabilities, workers, and youth.
Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama has emphasised that all aspirants must submit the required documents to validate their nominations.
These include; nominations forms signed by two registered voters, proof of payment of the Shs 3 million nomination fee via the URA online system and certified academic credentials equivalent to Advanced Level or higher
Following nominations, campaign harmonisation meetings for all successful candidates are scheduled to run from 24th to 27th October 2025, while official campaigns will commence on 10th November 2025 and conclude on 13th January 2026. The Presidential and Parliamentary elections are set for Thursday, 15 January 2026.
Rwomushana’s remarks highlight a growing trend among political aspirants who, feeling underserved by party mechanisms, opt to contest independently, a development that could reshape the competitive landscape ahead of next year’s elections.
However, party officials from all political divides across the country have cautioned members against running as independents, encouraging them to support the candidate who won the party flag.
