The Electoral Commission of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has released new guidelines ahead of the much-anticipated elections for Party Structures at the district and city levels.
The announcement was made on Thursday, May 22, 2025, by the Commission’s Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, during a media briefing held at the party headquarters on Kyadondo Road in Kampala.
The guidelines come just a day before the elections, scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025.
These polls are part of the broader internal democratic processes through which the NRM refreshes its grassroots leadership and operational organs across the country.
According to the brief, tomorrow’s elections will not only focus on electing party structures at the district and city levels but will also include the expression of interest, nominations, campaigns, and elections of Workers and Entrepreneurs Leagues at the same levels.
“This is a critical moment for the Party. We are laying the groundwork for the leadership that will anchor our grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2026 general elections,” Dr. Odoi emphasized.
The NRM EC provided a detailed breakdown of who qualifies to participate in the voting process.
Eligible voters include NRM Members of Parliament and flag bearers, district executive committee members, LC V chairpersons, district councillors, members of the special organs’ executive committees at sub-county and municipal levels, as well as NRM sub-county executives and their counterparts in local government leadership.
Specifically, for the election of special organs, the electoral college will consist solely of executive committee members of those organs at sub-county, town council, municipality, or city division levels.
Additionally, Lord Councillors to the Kampala Capital City Authority will be eligible to vote in their respective city divisions of origin, ensuring inclusive participation even in the urban setups.
The Commission also outlined the financial requirements for aspirants. Candidates vying for the District or City Mainstream Chairperson position will pay a non-refundable fee of Shs500,000.
Other mainstream positions at that level require Shs100,000, while those seeking League Chairperson positions will pay Shs100,000. Other league positions require Shs50,000.
These fees, the Commission noted, are meant to ensure commitment and discourage frivolous candidacies.
The NRM EC has issued a strict timeline for the election day. Voters are expected to converge at designated venues by 10:00 am.
This will be followed by expression of interest, nominations, and campaign activities running from 10:00 am to 11:45 am. Actual polling will commence promptly at 12:00 pm and end at 2:00 pm.
“We urge all participants to adhere strictly to the timeframes to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and transparent process,” Dr. Odoi advised.
Despite the nationwide roll-out, elections in several areas have been postponed due to various logistical and administrative issues.
These include:
- Bunyoro Sub-region – Deferred due to the ongoing visit by H.E. the President to the sub-region.
- Luweero, Nakasongola, and Nakaseke Districts – Also postponed due to the President’s engagements in the region.
- Arua City – Elections halted following a petition concerning Ayivu Division.
- Amolatar District – Elections postponed due to allegations of concealed delegates.
Dr. Odoi assured the public that these areas will be rescheduled and communicated to in due course once the concerns have been addressed.
The Electoral Commission called on all stakeholders, aspirants, voters, and district officials, to conduct themselves with discipline and in line with party regulations.
Dr. Odoi warned that any acts of indiscipline, bribery, or voter manipulation will not be tolerated.
He further called upon the security forces to work closely with the Commission to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections and to deal firmly with any elements seeking to disrupt the process.
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