The National Resistance Movement (NRM), Uganda’s ruling party, has completed one of its most hotly contested internal electoral cycles in recent memory. The July 17, 2025 primaries to elect party flagbearers for the 2026 general elections delivered a blend of predictable incumbency, surprise defeats, and a rising tide of youthful challengers, setting the stage for one of the most dynamic political contests in the nation’s recent history.
A Nation Votes Behind the Posters
From Koboko to Kanungu, Karamoja to Kampala, over 2,000 aspirants lined up under the NRM banner in hopes of clinching tickets for 519 parliamentary seats—353 constituency MPs and 146 district Woman MPs. The elections were conducted by lining up behind candidates’ portraits, a method that continues to stir debate for its transparency and its vulnerability to intimidation and public embarrassment.
In many places, especially rural areas like Sembabule, Bugiri, and Isingiro, the process unfolded peacefully, albeit amid heightened security. But urban centers such as Kampala, Mukono, and Jinja recorded worryingly low voter turnout, attributed to discomfort with public voting, voter apathy, and growing dissent within urban youth circles.
Big Names Hold Their Ground
Despite simmering anti-incumbency sentiment, a number of the party’s political heavyweights fended off strong challengers, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja retained her hold on Kakumiro District, Vice President Jessica Alupo was comfortably re-endorsed by Katakwi, First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga survived a spirited challenge in Kamuli, Security Minister Gen. Jim Muhwezi won in Rujumbura, while Internal Affairs Minister Gen. Kahinda Otafiire returned as Ruhinda’s favorite.
Others including Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, State Minister Phiona Nyamutoro, and long-serving MPs Charles Ayume (Koboko), Hamson Obua (Ajuri), and Frank Tumwebaze (Kibaale) sailed through, reaffirming the NRM’s backbone in Parliament.
The Fall of Giants
Yet, not everyone was spared by the tide of change.
In what many analysts have called a “political earthquake,” the primaries claimed a long list of casualties, David Bahati, the State Minister of Trade and former powerful figure in Kigezi, lost in Ndorwa West, Persis Namuganza, ex-Lands Minister known for her controversial tenure, was ousted, Musa Ecweru, Disaster Minister and NRM stalwart from Amuria, lost his party endorsement, Jennifer Namuyangu, Minister for Presidency, suffered a defeat that shocked Kibuku District and in Lwemiyaga, veteran lawmaker Theodore Ssekikubo was toppled by Brig Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande, signaling the military’s growing footprint in elective politics.
The losses reflect a party in flux—caught between loyalty to its past and the undeniable pull of generational transition.
Young Blood, Fresh Faces
In regions like Teso, Bukedi, and Bunyoro, young aspirants surged forward: Princess Diana Abwooli, a vibrant youth leader, clinched the Hoima City Woman MP ticket, Christopher Talemwa, a former radio personality, surprised Kyaddondo East with a resounding win, Ojasi Swaibu, Iganga Municipality’s new face, has roots in youth empowerment circles, Paul Bamusibule, a business strategist, now carries the NRM flag for Buzaaya and in Bugabula North, Anita Omondi, a digital activist, won convincingly over more seasoned rivals.
Their rise marks what political scientists describe as a shift in “NRM’s generational identity crisis”—a battle between continuity and innovation.
Violence, Petitions, and Reform Cries
While the Electoral Commission hailed the polls as largely peaceful, incidents of violence were reported in Lwengo (one dead), Isingiro (two fatalities), and Sembabule, where tempers flared over vote tallying.
Hundreds of petitions have been filed, with some alleging bribery, voter intimidation, and manipulation of lining-up processes. Party officials say a Disciplinary Tribunal is now examining these complaints—and that losers who defy party discipline to contest as independents may face sanctions.
Electoral Crossroads: To Line Up or Not?
The backlash against the lining-up system has grown louder, especially from urban constituencies. Critics argue it humiliates voters, stifles free choice, and invites manipulation.
“Kampala had nearly empty polling grounds,” one observer in Makindye West noted. “People want secret ballots—it’s their right to choose privately.”
Party insiders reveal that NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) may revisit this method ahead of local government primaries on July 24, and for the future.
What It All Means
The primaries may be over, but their implications will echo well into 2026. The NRM’s dominance remains, but fractures within its base are becoming more visible:
- Generational battles are intensifying.
- Urban rejection of traditional voting systems is brewing.
- Independents—both disgruntled losers and former allies—could chip away at party cohesion.
For President Museveni, the upcoming general election may be both a final stamp of legacy and a test of how well his party adapts to a changing Uganda
