By Aggrey Baba
With several disappointed members planning to run as independent candidates in 2026, the NRM is also facing problems after its primary elections.
One of the affected candidates is Thadeus Musoke Nagenda, who lost the Kampala Lord Mayor race to Muhadda Kaweesa. Nagenda says the election was not fair and is now joining hands with other losing candidates to form a group that will support each other as independents come 2026.
This comes after several complaints that the primaries were not conducted properly. Some NRM officials reportedly allowed people who were not registered (including school children) to vote, while others are accused of taking bribes or changing results.
NRM Secretary-General Richard Todwong admitted that some officials didn’t follow party rules, which caused confusion, especially in the parliamentary races, saying many members have filed petitions and the party tribunal, which was set up by President Museveni, is looking into the issues.
But some aspirants are not willing to wait as they say they have no trust in the tribunal and want voters to decide. However, other senior NRM members, like Kampala Central chairperson Salim Uhuru and Kyaka North flag-bearer Vincent Kaheeru, have advised them not to run as independents, saying it could harm their chances and divide the party.
Kaheeru also said that in areas like western Uganda, anyone who runs against the party is seen as opposing the government, and independents rarely win.
As both NRM and NUP struggle with unhappy members and internal fights, there is growing worry that more candidates will break away and stand alone, making the 2026 elections even more competitive and unpredictable. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
