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Legislators

NRM MPs Given Green Light to Contest as Independents After Party Primaries

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Over 190 National Resistance Movement (NRM) members of parliament who lost in the party primaries have been given the go-ahead by President Yoweri Museveni to contest as independent candidates in the 2026 general elections. The President expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the party primaries, citing allegations of fabrication and irregularities in the process. Despite this, the MPs have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting President Museveni's re-election bid, pledging to continue backing him to retain his presidential seat for the continuity and protection of Uganda's gains.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 190 NRM MPs who lost in the party primaries have been given the green light by President Museveni to contest as independent candidates in the 2026 general elections.
  • The President expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the party primaries, citing allegations of fabrication and irregularities in the process.
  • The MPs have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting President Museveni's re-election bid, pledging to continue backing him to retain his presidential seat.
  • 20 MPs who lost in the primaries have withdrawn from the race, leaving over 190 MPs determined to contest as independents.
  • The move by NRM rebels could reshape the party's fortunes in the 2026 elections, with several strong candidates opting to run independently.
  • Maintaining party unity and discipline will be critical for the NRM to retain its parliamentary majority in the 2026 elections.
  • Anthony Esenu, chairperson of the NRM Independent Legislators Forum, has stated that the President supported their decision to run as independents in areas where opposition is weak.
  • In constituencies with stronger opposition, the MPs were advised to reconcile with the party's flagbearers.

Statistics:

  • Over 190 NRM MPs will contest as independents in the 2026 general elections.
  • 20 of the 190 MPs who lost in the primaries have withdrawn from the race.
  • The move by NRM rebels could reshape the party's fortunes in the 2026 elections, with several strong candidates opting to run independently.
  • 2026 - The year of the upcoming general elections.
  • Uganda - The country where these elections will take place.

Sources:

  • Nile Post. (2025). "NRM MPs Given Green Light to Contest as Independents After Party Primaries"
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

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