Over 200 National Resistance Movement (NRM) members of Parliament who lost in the recent party primaries have vowed to contest as independent candidates in the 2026 general elections, defying a directive from Secretary General Richard Todwong.
The legislators, who have formed the NRM Independent Legislators Forum, claim the party primaries were marred by violence, intimidation, and bribery.
"We cannot pretend that the primaries were free and fair," said one of the legislators, echoing the sentiments of many who have spoken out against the process. "The entire process was fraudulent, with people simply writing results to serve certain interests."
The NRM Independent Legislators Forum has cited numerous irregularities, including voter bribery, loss of lives, intimidation, manipulation of results, and violence.
Despite the party directive, the legislators have declared their intention to contest as independents, citing the need to give the people a genuine choice.
"We shall not resign our positions in the party," they said, adding that they would continue to support President Yoweri Museveni's presidential bid.
"We are not afraid of external forces that fought us during the party primaries," said MP Ssekikubo. "The general election cannot be easily tampered with."
The decision by the NRM rebels could significantly impact the party's fortunes in the 2026 elections. With many strong candidates opting to run as independents, the party may struggle to retain its seats in Parliament.
The NRM Independent leaning Legislators Forum has vowed to mobilize support and contest the elections on their own terms, potentially drawing votes away from the party's official candidates.
As one MP put it, "Losing the NRM ticket is not the end of the road. We will mobilize openly as independent candidates and let the people decide."
