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By Aggrey Baba
As NRM gears up for its internal elections ahead of the 2026 general elections, a new wave of unopposed candidates is quietly reshaping the political atmosphere inside the party.
At least 12 parliamentary aspirants and four district-level contenders have already been declared unopposed by the party Electoral Commission, allowing them to cruise through without a single challenge within their own camp.
The list includes heavyweights like Speaker of Parliament Anita Among (Bukedea), Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng (Lira City), and Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua (Ajuri County).
Other uncontested parliamentary aspirants are Henry Boniface Okot (Kole South), Agnes Auma (Lira District Woman), James Onen (Kwania North), Godfrey Kabbyanga (Rukonzo County West, Kasese), Asha Mafabi (Sironko District Woman), Aimable Sekajugo (Kalungu North), Susan Nakawuki (Mawokota South, Mpigi), MacGute Kuteesa alias Sodo (Mawogola North), Calvin Echodu (Soroti City West) and Naome Kibaaju (Sheema North).
At the district and city level, four candidates have so far gone unopposed. These are Francis Esudu Obwonyo (Soroti City), Aloneha Rutetebya (Kiruhura), Joseph Luzige (Mityana) and Salim Uhuru (Kampala Central Mayor).
The move has stirred mixed reactions among political observers, some praising the show of internal consensus, while others quietly question whether competition is being stifled beneath the surface.
While party spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo attributes the trend to loyalty and strong grassroots support, there are whispers that some contenders have stepped down under quiet pressure, or simply chose not to waste time challenging well-placed incumbents.
Observers say the NRM appears to be avoiding internal fractures by shielding its top performers from primary contests (especially in regions where political loyalty remains strong). In Northern Uganda alone, six of the unopposed parliamentary candidates hail from the region, a sign of the party’s intention to hold on to its base without distractions.
With the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and local structural elections also approaching, the party is moving quickly to fill gaps, particularly in districts like Lira, Mbale, and Amolatar, where electoral activities are still ongoing.
NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi has confirmed that more names could still join the list of unopposed candidates as the nomination process continues, also hinting at structural elections for key positions soon.
Some of those who have gone unopposed are already rolling out campaign plans targeting the general population. For example, aspirants like Susan Nakawuki (Mawokota South) and Naome Kibaaju (Sheema North) are focusing on roadworks, agriculture, and social services in their campaign messaging.
But even with all signs pointing to victory in the party primaries, nothing is guaranteed in the general elections, where opposition candidates may come out swinging. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
