By Aggrey Baba
Former Uganda Media Centre Executive Director, Ofwono Opondo, has warned that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) risks losing public support if it fails to address the growing disorder within its internal elections and reconnect with ordinary citizens.
In a sharp assessment following earlier this week’s NRM parliamentary primaries, Opondo said the party’s internal polls have become increasingly chaotic and corrupted by bribery, violence, and voter manipulation, noting that what was once a disciplined, clear party now faces internal confusion and a weakening bond with voters, especially the youth and urban dwellers.
The just-concluded primaries were marred by widespread irregularities, with candidates spending heavily on personal campaigning, some paying voters directly at polling stations. Others were involved in physical confrontations, destruction of campaign posters, and in some cases, violent incidents that led to injuries and loss of property.
Opondo pointed out that this shift has reduced parliamentary races to battles of personal wealth and influence, rather than platforms for genuine leadership.
“Voters ask for cash and goodies without concern for effective representation,” he remarked.
He also expressed concern over special interest group SIG) elections (such as those for youth, elderly, and persons with disabilities) where some candidates reportedly hid eligible voters to block access by their opponents.
The aftermath of the primaries has seen many losing candidates opt to run as independents, deepening internal divisions. While some independents have later returned to work with the NRM in Parliament, Opondo cautioned that repeated defections damage the party’s image and stability.
Looking ahead to the 2026 general elections, he advised that the party must prepare more seriously, warning that NRM is losing its connection with the electorate, particularly in urban areas, despite having built towns and infrastructure in many parts of the country. Rising expectations and disappointment with service delivery, he noted, are fueling frustration.
Opondo said the expansion of mobile phones, social media, and citizen-led journalism has created a more active and demanding public, blaming government corruption and political complacency for eroding trust, saying the party has become slow in responding to public concerns.
The former ED also warned that while opposition parties such as the National Unity Platform (NUP) may lack strong policy agendas, they continue to gain ground by tapping into public anger (especially among young voters).
“The NRM is talking too much to itself,” he observed, urging party leaders to re-engage with the public honestly and to refocus on local concerns.
Opondo called on the ruling party to restore discipline in its internal elections, invest in honest grassroots engagement, and rebuild its credibility if it is to deliver a convincing result for President Museveni in the 2026 elections. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
