Speaking to journalists in Nwoya District ahead of the July 28 LC1 elections, Todwong said the party had adopted a zero-tolerance approach to indiscipline and would sanction leaders found mobilising support for candidates contesting against NRM flag bearers.
"As a party and as a system, we are focusing on supporting our flag bearers. We do not expect any leader to contest against a flag bearer or mobilise support against a flag bearer," Todwong said.
"That would be extremely risky for you as a leader because we do not condone such behaviour. This time, the party is very serious, and there will be sanctions against leaders who engage in such acts."
His remarks come amid reports from parts of Kampala and Wakiso districts that some individuals have been presenting themselves as NRM flag bearers without official endorsement, while others are reportedly backing independent candidates after losing the party primaries.
Todwong said all genuine NRM candidates had been officially endorsed and their details submitted to the Electoral Commission, making it easy to distinguish legitimate flag bearers from impostors.
"We know our flag bearers because they have all been officially endorsed. We have their records and the lists submitted to the Electoral Commission. Anyone claiming to be an NRM flag bearer should be able to prove that," he said.
The Secretary General acknowledged that internal disagreements had led some party members to sponsor rival candidates in certain areas but stressed that the NRM would not tolerate actions that undermine party unity.
"We know there are a few places where, because of internal wrangles, some members are sponsoring other candidates. That is unacceptable because our focus is on ensuring our official flag bearers succeed," he said.
Todwong disclosed that some leaders implicated in such activities had already been instructed to step aside pending investigations.
"Those already holding leadership positions have been written to, and some have since stepped aside because we do not want personal interests to interfere with the party's objectives," he added.
He urged NRM supporters across the country to participate in large numbers in the LC1 elections, describing the village-level vote as a critical pillar of both the party and the country's governance system.
"The LC1 is the foundation of both the party and government because it directly connects leadership with households. This election is critical in our efforts to fight household poverty and deepen grassroots mobilisation," he said.
Todwong expressed confidence that the party's mobilisation structures—from the Central Executive Committee to regional teams, district leaders and Village Barazas—would secure victory for NRM candidates.
He also praised the party's performance in the recently concluded Women's Council elections, saying preliminary reports indicated that between 85 and 92 per cent of elected grassroots leaders belonged to the NRM.
According to Todwong, the results reflect the strength of the party's grassroots structures, which have remained active throughout the electoral cycle and are now focused on delivering victory for NRM flag bearers in the upcoming LC1 elections