As Uganda inches closer to the 2026 general elections, political tension is already building within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Experts and political observers describe the party's internal primaries as a “do or die” event, with high stakes that often turn the process into a battleground.
During previous NRM primaries, scenes of intense competition, loud accusations, and tactical maneuvering were commonplace.
From mobilizing local supporters to deploying vast financial resources, contestants often go to extreme lengths to secure the party ticket, a ticket that, in many rural constituencies, can almost guarantee victory in the general election.
Political analysts Dr. John Paul Kasujja and Godber Tumushabe warn that the primaries are not just political exercises, they are high-risk investments.
According to them, large sums of money change hands during the process, making candidates desperate to win back their money through political office. “People don’t just fear losing an election,” says Tumushabe.
“They fear losing their entire savings. It becomes personal, emotional, and in some cases, dangerous.”
Both analysts observe that the NRM party machinery remains influential, especially in rural Uganda where party affiliation often determines electability.
This gives NRM candidates a distinct advantage over independents, making the primaries even more competitive and consequential.
In some cases, the fear of losing to an NRM candidate pushes opposition members to contest under the NRM umbrella just to stand a chance.
However, despite all the efforts and resources poured into winning primaries, analysts argue that many elected leaders fail to deliver on their promises.
They say voters are often sidelined after elections, with little accountability or improvement in service delivery.
“We’ve created a system where getting into Parliament is the ultimate goal, not serving the people who elected you,” says Dr. Kasujja.
Responding to the criticism, NRM party spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo acknowledged the party's size and internal competition but insisted that the party does not condone violence or electoral malpractice.
“We are a mass party,” he said. “Our strength lies in our broad base, but we are committed to maintaining order and discipline during the primaries.”
Nonetheless, a growing number of NRM primary losers have been going on to win as independent candidates in the general elections, a trend that was evident in 2021 and could become even more prominent in 2026.
This shift is raising serious questions about the credibility of the primaries and the growing frustration among grassroots supporters.
