The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission offices at Plot 13, Kyadondo Road, Nakasero, buzzed with activity today as several high-profile party members picked up Expression of Interest forms, signaling their intent to contest in the 2026 general elections.
The nomination exercise, which officially opened today and runs until June 15, 2025, marks a critical step in the NRM’s preparations for its internal primaries and the national polls.
Among the prominent figures who collected forms was Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, who arrived early Monday morning to secure her nomination papers for re-election as Bukedea District Woman MP.
Speaking to the press after receiving her forms, Among praised the NRM Electoral Commission, led by Dr. Tanga Odoi, for its transparent and democratic process.
“I want to thank Doctor Tanga Odoi and his team for ensuring a smooth nomination exercise. This is a democratic party, and I urge all aspiring candidates to participate early to avoid congestion,” she said, exuding confidence in her re-election bid.
“There is no way I can fail to go through—no way,” she added, dismissing any possibility of running as an independent if she loses in the NRM primaries.
Other notable NRM members who picked up forms included Hon. David Bahati, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, and Hon. Peace Kusasira, both eyeing parliamentary seats.
Hon. Bahati is set to contest for the Ndorwa County West seat, while Kusasira aims to retain her position as Mukono District Woman MP.
The duo was spotted at the NRM EC offices alongside other aspirants, including Hon. Kate Shde and Dr. Peter Wakida, who also collected forms for their respective constituencies.
The NRM Electoral Commission, headquartered at Plot 13, Kyadondo Road, reported a high turnout of party members seeking nomination forms for various positions, including Members of Parliament, LCV Chairpersons, and municipal or city division seats.
Dr. Tanga Odoi, the NRM EC Chairperson, emphasized the party’s commitment to a free and fair nomination process, urging aspirants to adhere to the set guidelines.
“We are ensuring a transparent process for all candidates. Let’s maintain discipline and follow the roadmap,” Odoi stated during a brief address to the gathered aspirants.
The nomination exercise is part of the NRM’s broader electoral roadmap for the 2025/2026 general elections, which was unveiled by Secretary-General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong on April 15, 2025.
The roadmap outlines key dates, including primaries for parliamentary candidates on July 16, 2025, and LCV chairpersons, mayors, and councilors on July 24, 2025.
The party, boasting a membership of 20.7 million, is leveraging its digitalized register to ensure a credible internal election process.
The nomination period is expected to see intense competition, particularly for parliamentary and local government seats, as the NRM seeks to consolidate its dominance ahead of the 2026 elections.
With the party emphasizing its core pillars of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy, today’s events at Kyadondo Road signal the start of a highly charged political season.
As the nomination window continues, all eyes will be on the NRM’s internal processes, with analysts predicting a fiercely contested primary season.
For now, the party’s bigwigs have set the tone, demonstrating their readiness to lead the charge in Uganda’s political landscape.