Kampala, Uganda – The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party has dismissed as “high-level misinformation” media allegations that party flags are up for sale to aspiring candidates ahead of the 2025 primaries following the release of the party’s official nomination fees by Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong.
The public clarification was made by NRM National Treasurer Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo during an induction meeting at the NRM Electoral Commission offices on Plot 13, Kyadondo Road, Kampala.
According to the guidelines issued by Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, here’s what aspiring flag bearers must pay; Presidential aspirants UGX 20 million, Members of Parliament UGX 3 million, Lord Mayor aspirants: UGX 1.5 million and LCV Chairpersons, Division Mayors, District Councillors UGX 1 million each
These amounts, while standardised by the party have drawn scrutiny in the court of public opinion especially in light of Uganda’s harsh economic climate and allegations of elite capture in party processes.
“We are not selling flags. I don’t know what some media houses intend to achieve in all this because this is the highest level of misinformation. NRM is a people’s party and our internal elections are guided by transparency not transactions.”
Her rebuttal comes at a time when trust in political institutions is under heavy analysis and when any hint of gatekeeping through money can ignite firestorms especially online.
While Nekesa insisted the nomination fees were merely part of administrative logistics, critics argue that the amounts disproportionately affect less affluent especially the younger candidates, the very groups political parties claim to empower.
The online space has since exploded with some accusing the NRM of monetising democracy while loyalists insist the party is simply organising its processes ahead of a major election year.
“You say it’s a nomination fee, but if I can’t afford it, then I can’t contest. Isn’t that indirectly selling the flag?”
As the 2025 general election season heats up, the NRM’s internal processes from nomination fees to flagbearer selections will continue to draw attention. Party leadership is now walking ice tip with managing perception, enforcing guidelines and ensuring inclusivity across the party’s wide electoral base.
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