By Edgar Mathew Karguhanga
The NRM Electoral Commission chairman, Tanga Odoi, has expressed satisfaction following the recently concluded nomination exercise, noting that NRM is one of the few democratic parties conducting its activities in a clear and transparent manner.
Speaking to NBS TV, the NRM Electoral Commission boss stated that the entire nomination process was a success and thanked the party chairman for ensuring this success was realised.
“I must thank the party and the party chairman for having the party at heart. It takes a leader time to think — these processes are very important. For those haters who think this is run as a personal thing, here we run this thing as a political party with structures and regulations,” Odoi said.
He noted that over 200 candidates were nominated by the close of the nomination exercise. He added that only those who lacked legal requirements could not be nominated, particularly those vying for the party chairman’s position. He also pointed out that some candidates failed to pick nomination forms in time.
“You came for the presidential nomination but you don’t have a nominator and a seconder. You had forms, but you couldn’t get someone to even nominate and second you, yet you paid 20 million. It looked like someone was looking for an excuse,” Tanga reiterated.
To ensure that violence is mitigated, Tanga revealed that elections in known violent hotspots for NRM primaries have been halted.
For example, in Isingiro District, elections have been stopped until a meeting with all stakeholders is organised. In the case of Sembabule, candidates have agreed to work in harmony and are committed to peaceful primaries. He also noted that joint campaigns have been banned.
“I had stopped elections in Sembabule but have now allowed them when they came up with their own program. We have stopped campaigns and joint campaigns in Isingiro, and I am calling back the Isingiro people here on Wednesday to agree on the process,” Dr. Tanga Odoi said.
He emphasised that the nomination fees paid by all candidates are non-refundable and expects that nobody will seek to reclaim the fees, even after failing in the primary elections.
He asserted that the money will be used to support successful candidates who emerge as party flag bearers after the primaries.
To ensure free and fair primaries, the party has rolled out a voter register and advised candidates to avoid excessive monetisation of politics.
The NRM primary elections will be held on 17th July 2025 for Members of Parliament and 24th July 2025 for other leadership positions.
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