NRM Primaries Demonstrate Democratic Leadership in Uganda

Strategic Insights -

As Uganda gears up for the 2026 general election, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has taken a significant step towards promoting democracy and transparency by conducting primaries across 72,000 villages in 519 counties. On July 17, 2025, the NRM party successfully organised its primary elections, allowing 9.2 million voters to choose their preferred candidates. This process, which was introduced in 2020 to address logistical shortcomings and delayed distribution of election materials, has been hailed as a transparent approach to delivering justice and promoting democracy in Uganda. The NRM's commitment to democratic leadership is evident in its ability to register members and mobilise them nationwide to participate actively in the party's internal democratic processes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NRM party has consistently organised primary elections since 2006, including in 2011 and 2016, demonstrating its commitment to democratic leadership.
  • The lining-up method introduced in 2020 has been praised for its transparency, despite facing criticism from opposition members.
  • The NRM is the only party in Uganda to have successfully offered its members a democratic opportunity to elect flag bearers.
  • The 2025 primary elections were remarkable for their organisation and the precedence set for future elections.
  • The opposition parties, including the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Democratic Party (DP), National Unity Platform (NUP), JEEMA, and others, struggle to uphold democratic principles internally, awarding party cards without proper electoral processes.
  • NUP leaders have been criticised for their undemocratic practices, including selective membership and fundraising through the sale of party cards.

Statistics:

  • 9.2 million voters participated in the NRM primary elections across 72,000 villages in 519 counties.
  • The NRM has successfully conducted primary elections at both local and national levels since 2006.
  •  The NRM has maintained a high level of registration and mobilisation nationwide, with all members participating in the party's internal democratic processes.

Sources:

  • NRM party press release, July 17, 2025
  • State House Entebbe press conference, 2020
  • NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting minutes, 2020
  • Uganda's Constitution, Article 59
  • NRM party primary elections reports, 2011 and 2016