Kampala, Uganda – National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has officially opened the window for expression of interest in the party’s presidential flag bearer and National Chairperson positions, both currently held by President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled for nearly four decades.
The announcement was made by Dr. Tanga Odoi, the outspoken NRM Electoral Commission chairperson, during a press briefing at the party headquarters in Kampala.
“The forms are now available. Aspirants must pick them in person, pay Shs20 million, collect 100 signatures from across Uganda’s districts, and return the complete forms by Friday before 5 PM,” Dr. Odoi said.
While many view the nomination process as a mere formality in a party still heavily centered on President Museveni’s leadership, Odoi’s tone suggested openness to democratic contestation.
“Whoever qualifies and fulfills the requirements will be treated fairly. The NRM belongs to its members,” he said, though critics argue that internal dissent is rarely tolerated within the ruling party.
President Museveni is expected to seek re-election for both positions, with party insiders indicating that he officially picked his nomination forms on Saturday, June 28. This would cement his ambitions to extend his tenure well beyond 40 years in power.
However, some lesser-known figures like Briton Kiwanuka and Julius Tumuhimbise have attempted to pick forms in a bold but likely symbolic challenge to Museveni’s grip on the NRM hierarchy.
However, both were turned away earlier this week, with Dr. Odoi insisting that the forms would only be available starting Friday morning and that security vetting would be mandatory.
This development comes amid rising internal tensions and national discontent over economic pressures, youth unemployment, and a growing demand for political transition.
Museveni’s continued dominance over both the NRM and state structures has left little room for internal competition.
The mere announcement of open nominations and the rare efforts by aspiring challengers could signal the early rumblings of change, or at the very least, public fatigue with the political status quo.
Opposition figures, including members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the newly launched Democratic Front (DF), have dismissed the process as window-dressing for a predetermined outcome.
“We know how this script ends. Museveni will be nominated unopposed, and Ugandans will be told it was democracy at work.”
With the Friday 5 PM deadline looming, any prospective aspirant has just 48 hours to fulfill the stringent requirements. The Electoral Commission emphasized that failure to meet the deadline or present authentic security-cleared forms will lead to disqualification.
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