As President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni prepares to kick off his campaign tour in the Teso sub-region this Friday, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership has issued a tough warning to members who defied party guidelines to contest as independents.
The caution came during a high-level engagement meeting held at Halsey Resort in Soroti City, bringing together NRM top officials, local leaders, and security personnel from across Teso.
The meeting was chaired by Hon. Rose Mary Sseninde, the NRM Director for Mobilisation, representing the Secretary General, Hon. Richard Todwong.
Sseninde strongly condemned the growing trend of “NRM independents,” describing it as “shameless and driven by personal greed.” She said such acts undermine party unity, divide votes, and weaken the strength of NRM flag bearers during elections.
“We are warning all those calling themselves NRM independents to stop confusing our supporters,” Sseninde emphasized.
“Once you decide to run as an independent, you are no longer representing the party. The public should support only officially endorsed NRM flag bearers.”
Among the leaders cited for defying the party’s position are Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Works and Transport, and JJ Odongo, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who are both reportedly contesting as independents in their constituencies.
Attention has also turned to Capt. Mike Mukula, former NRM Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda, who has come under public scrutiny for allegedly supporting his son, Rodney Akongel Mukula, an independent candidate vying for the Soroti City East parliamentary seat.
She further reminded local leaders of their duty to remain loyal to the party and avoid “double faces” that show disloyalty.
Sseninde revealed that the NRM constitution prohibits any leader who chooses to contest as an independent from holding a position within party structures, adding that such individuals will face disciplinary action.
The meeting also focused on mobilization strategies ahead of President Museveni’s arrival in Teso.
According to Sseninde, the purpose was to strengthen grassroots coordination and ensure massive attendance at the President’s rallies.
“We have come to engage local leaders, security officers, and NRM structures to prepare for the President’s visit,” she said. “We must be organized and show that Teso remains a strong pillar of the NRM.”
She praised the President’s achievements, highlighting peace, stability, and economic empowerment programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
Sseninde called upon the people of Teso to remain grateful and supportive of President Museveni’s leadership.
“We had eight presidents before President Museveni, but none brought the peace and development we see today. Museveni is a gift from God, and Uganda should cherish that blessing,” she said.
NRM Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda, Hon. David Calvin Ecodu, acknowledged internal divisions caused by the rise of independent candidates but assured members that reconciliation efforts were underway.
“We are engaging members to ensure peace and unity within the NRM family,” Ecodu said.
“The reconciliation program is already yielding results, and we are determined to resolve any issues before the President’s visit.”
He urged leaders to remain focused on the bigger picture ensuring that President Museveni and all NRM candidates win decisively in the 2026 elections.
NRM Teso Regional Mobiliser Hon. Acham Teddy also criticized those who left the party to contest as independents, describing them as “undisciplined and self-centered.”
“When you lose in the party primaries, you must support the winner,” she said. “Those who run as independents are simply greedy, but they will not divide us we shall remain strong and loyal to NRM.”
Acham encouraged members to embrace unity, humility, and collective effort, citing her own example of remaining within party structures even after losing an internal contest.
As the President’s advance team completes preparations, the NRM leadership in Teso has pledged to deliver one of the most organized and vibrant receptions in the ongoing nationwide campaign tour.
“We must not embarrass the party,” Sseninde concluded. “Let us work in unity, plan better, and show that Teso stands firm behind the NRM and President Museveni.”
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