Supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have marched to submit 2.2 million signatures to the Electoral Commission in support of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s nomination as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections.
The nominations for presidential candidates are scheduled for September 23 and 24, with each aspirant required to collect at least 100 signatures from two-thirds of Uganda’s 146 districts, equivalent to 98 districts. The signatures were collected by the District leaders across the country through the NRM structures.
According to the Party Secretary General, the process was coordinated by NRM’s extensive grassroots structures, with district offices leading the effort to mobilise support from across the country. Party officials say the overwhelming response reflects widespread support for Museveni’s continued leadership.
Barbara Nekesa, the NRM Treasurer, explained that the party deliberately gathered signatures well above the minimum threshold to guard against any disqualifications or overlaps. She noted that in some cases, individuals may have signed for multiple candidates, but the large number of endorsements submitted by NRM ensures that the party maintains the required figures in every district.
Although the majority of signatures came from loyal NRM supporters, the party said it also received endorsements from individuals affiliated with other political groups. Nekesa said this demonstrated that Museveni’s candidature carries a national character, appealing beyond traditional party lines.
She highlighted that some members of other political parties, including those serving in government under the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), had also backed the President’s nomination. According to Nekesa, the signatures were sourced not just from urban areas but also from remote villages, some located as far as 800 kilometres from Kampala.
She emphasised that this process allowed ordinary Ugandans to take ownership of Museveni’s candidacy, reinforcing the idea that his nomination is driven by popular demand rather than just decisions from the party’s top leadership. Nekesa noted that the signatures collection was made efficient by the NRM’s well-organised communication network.
The procession to the Electoral Commission started from the NRM Secretariat in Kyadondo. It was led by NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and other top party officials, accompanied by thousands of enthusiastic supporters.
Among those participating are different musicians, youth groups, and fans of the popular artist Alien Skin, while playing loud music with messages soliciting and rallying support for the President.
The NRM supporters who are walking are also escorted by security, including the UPDF and the Police, who are commonly seen blocking the opposition supporters.
During the procession, transport was paralysed at Kyadondo and near Fairway and Jinja Road Roundabout.
The Party has indicated that the signatures have been sorted and arranged per district to simplify the verification process once they reach the Electoral Commission. Party officials add that they view this as a crucial step in ensuring the submission meets all legal standards.
On Thursday, the NRM Youth, led by former National Youth MP Aspirant Fiona Nakku, also launched the Youth for Museveni Movement with intentions of soliciting 13 million votes for Museveni. URN