NRM Members Clash Over Electoral Strategy
Tensions flared within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as a proposed new electoral roadmap by the Central Executive Committee (CEC) clashed with what the party's secretariat had on the table.
NRM electoral commission boss Tanga Odoi announced the roadmap months after the party's National Chairman dismissed previous CEC resolutions aimed at halting party activities.
Reports indicate that a recent CEC meeting in Kampala occurred without the National Chairman President Museveni and Vice Chairman Hajj Musa Kigongo.
The meeting produced key resolutions concerning the party's strategy for the 2026 general elections.
The new roadmap includes:
- Digitization and Cleaning of Voter Register: Expected by February 2025
- Final Update and Display of the Register: Scheduled for February 2025
- Structure Elections: From village to district levels between April and June 2025
- Election of Flag Bearers: For subcounty to parliamentary levels from June to August 2025
- NRM Delegates Conference: Scheduled for September 25-30, with the nomination of a presidential candidate in early October
Richard Todwong, NRM's secretary general, has stressed that CEC meetings should include his presence, suggesting that decisions made without him are unofficial.
He acknowledged the completion of the first phase of the roadmap but indicated that further discussions with CEC members are needed.
Despite Mr Todwong’s claim that there is no conflict between party organs, the friction is evident. Recent disputes have led some CEC members to boycott events, including the National Chairman's launch for the voter register.
The internal disputes within the NRM raise concerns about the party's unity and direction as it gears up for the next electoral cycle.
The outcome of these conflicts will have a significant impact on the party’s strategy for the 2026 elections.
