The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General, Richard Todwong, has called for unity among party leaders and supporters in the Busoga sub-region, urging them to rally behind the party’s flag bearers ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking to NRM flag bearers and supporters in Iganga Municipality on Thursday, Todwong said internal divisions within the ruling party have weakened its political influence in the region, with some leaders openly supporting independent candidates at the expense of the official party flag bearers.
“Many of our leaders are divided and are now backing independents, knowing well this will cost the party victory,” Todwong said.
He appealed to supporters to maintain discipline and solidarity, emphasising that a united front is key to ensuring an overwhelming NRM victory in both presidential and parliamentary elections next year.
During the meeting, Todwong also cautioned supporters attending President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign rallies to carry food and water to avoid health complications caused by standing in the sun for long hours.
“Carry along some chapati, cassava, or potatoes to eat under the scorching sun and avoid collapsing,” he advised.
He expressed concern over reports of injuries and deaths resulting from congestion at some rallies, where large crowds have gathered to see the President.
“The massive turnout is good for the party, but people should avoid piling in one place. We have lost supporters due to suffocation,” he added.
Todwong revealed that the NRM Secretariat has written to the Electoral Commission requesting the disqualification of any party members who choose to contest as independents after losing in the party primaries.
“As a party, we agreed that whoever loses in the primaries must step aside for the winner. But some have defied this rule, and that won’t be tolerated,” Todwong said.
He directed district party administrators to compile lists of NRM leaders who are supporting independent candidates for possible disciplinary action, warning that such acts amount to rebellion against the party.
“When you choose to support an independent over the party flag bearer, you automatically become a rebel,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama cautioned that recent UPDF operations along the shores of Lakes Victoria and Kyoga could cost the ruling party support in affected fishing communities.
At the same event, Medina Ojalla, NRM’s Director for Finance and Administration, accused some independent candidates of blocking NRM supporters from attending President Museveni’s rallies.
“We have received reports that some supporters are being locked in homes during rallies to stop them from attending,” Ojalla said, describing the behavior as sabotage.
She dismissed social media claims that all party flag bearers had received campaign facilitation, clarifying that no such funds had been disbursed.
“I am in charge of finance at the secretariat, and no single coin has been given to any flag bearer,” she stated.
Todwong reiterated that unity and loyalty to the party’s principles remain central to maintaining the NRM’s dominance ahead of next year’s polls.