The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has entered Day Two of its nomination exercise for the 2026 General Elections, with thousands of aspirants thronging party headquarters at Kyadondo Road and other district-level centres across the country.
Among the prominent names who have already secured their nominations are Minister for Finance Matia Kasaija, Hon. Vincent Ssempijja who showed up on Wednesday. Yesterday, several prominent figures in the NRM were duly nominated, including; Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa (Ruhinda North), Energy State Minister Phiona Nyamutoro (Nebbi District), and Internal Affairs Minister Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire (Ruhinda County). Also nominated are Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (Kakumiro District Woman MP), Speaker Anita Among (Bukedea, unopposed), Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng (Lira Woman MP), Gen. Moses Ali (Adjumani West MP), and several others including Rukia Nakadama, Henry Musasizi, Frank Tumwebaze, Lillian Akello, and Minister Anifa Kawooya.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong expressed confidence in the party’s mass appeal, noting that the overwhelming turnout reflects the depth of NRM’s support at the grassroots.
“We are overwhelmed, in a good way,” Todwong said.
“Out of the roughly 560 elective positions available at MP and LC5 level, we have received more than 2,000 aspirants seeking the NRM flag. This level of competition is healthy and shows the vibrancy of our internal democracy.” he added
He noted that every constituency has attracted multiple candidates, which is a sign that the party is actively engaging its support base.
However, Todwong cautioned aspirants against turning the process into personal rivalry. “We need to help them understand that in any election, only one person can win. If you are not elected, we will strongly discourage you from going independent against the party’s flag bearer,” he said.
Todwong also highlighted the party’s preparations for the campaigns, noting that internal contests will be conducted under tight security and strict timelines. “We are working with security to regulate campaign activities and minimise friction. Campaigns will be joint, and we will ensure time limits are respected,” he explained.
The nomination exercise, which runs until June 30, follows the close of the expression of interest and form collection phase. A total of 2,718 aspirants are competing for parliamentary and local government positions under the NRM ticket, including 1,579 aspirants for MP seats, 586 for Woman MP slots, and 553 others for LC5 chairperson, mayoral, and city division offices.
At the district level, nominations for municipal and division mayors, as well as city councillor SIG seats, are being processed smoothly. NRM Electoral Commission chair Dr. Tanga Odoi confirmed that the process is on schedule, with successful applicants being cleared to compete in party primaries next month.
The roadmap ahead includes a complaints window between July 1 and July 4, and campaign activities between July 1 and 14. Todwong noted that the NRM will continue to operate with unity and discipline, stating, “We must move together as a party. These nominations show that we are strong on the ground and ready for 2026.”