The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is reinforcing internal discipline as it gears up for the upcoming elections, aiming to secure a victory for President Yoweri Museveni.
A recent meeting of NRM district chairpersons in Kyadondo, Kampala, highlighted concerns over party members who lost in the primaries but are now contesting as independent candidates. Party officials vowed to isolate these “rebels” from all party activities and support.
The meeting, held at the NRM Electoral Commission offices, also focused on the implementation of the village-based mobilization campaign, an initiative that leverages local leaders to canvass for President Museveni using their knowledge of community dynamics.
The surge of independent candidates, a fallout from fiercely contested primaries, poses a challenge to the party’s unity. Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission, warned that the trend could fragment the party’s strength.
“The situation is becoming increasingly concerning. We need to address this challenge head-on and ensure that we maintain party discipline and loyalty,” he said.
NRM Deputy Secretary General, Hon. Rose Namayanja Nsereko, emphasized that candidates who lost primaries and chose to run independently would not receive party support.
“The party will not support anyone who lost in the party primaries and then decided to run as an independent,” she said, reinforcing the party’s stance on loyalty.
The party’s campaign strategy, particularly the village-based mobilization approach, is designed to empower local leaders to drive voter engagement at the grassroots level. Namayanja stressed that village leaders have the best understanding of their communities and are critical for securing votes.
Dr. Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, head of NRM campaigns, called for unity among district chairpersons and directed those running as independents to relinquish their leadership positions to avoid conflicts of interest.
“Those who have chosen to defy the party’s will must relinquish their leadership roles and cannot expect our support,” she said.
Ambassador Barbra Nekesa Oundo, party treasurer, praised President Museveni for empowering lower-level leaders to engage directly in voter mobilization, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the party.
“President Museveni recognizes the importance of grassroots engagement. This new approach allows us to work together, united in our purpose,” she said.
NRM Party Spokesperson Hon. Emmanuel Dombo Lumala reiterated that members who lost primaries and chose to run independently had effectively expelled themselves from the party.
“They will not be supported by the party and will be isolated from all party activities,” he warned, citing prominent cases including Speaker Nalongo Anita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa.
The meeting also drew prominent NRM officials, including Minister of State for Higher Education JC Muyingo and former Secretary General Dr. Kasule Lumumba, signaling the importance of unity and discipline as the party prepares for elections.
The NRM’s hardline stance on independent candidates and its push for village-level mobilization reflect a strategic effort to maintain party cohesion and strengthen grassroots support.
The party is determined to present a united front, with loyalty and adherence to party rules emphasized as key to achieving a decisive electoral victory for President Museveni.
By addressing internal challenges and empowering local leaders, the NRM aims to build a formidable campaign machine, ready to navigate the complexities of the upcoming polls.
The months ahead will reveal the effectiveness of this strategy and whether the party’s emphasis on unity, discipline, and grassroots engagement will translate into electoral success.