The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has officially postponed the party’s primary elections by one day, moving them from July 16 to July 17, 2025.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, during a press briefing in Kampala.
He explained that the change was necessary to allow more time for the party and candidates to comply with revised campaign guidelines and to ensure better coordination across the country.
“The primaries will now take place on July 17, not July 16 as earlier scheduled,” Dr. Odoi told reporters. “This is to give our electoral teams, the candidates, and the voters enough time to prepare in line with our new directives.”
Dr. Odoi used the opportunity to strongly reaffirm that joint campaigns are compulsory for all NRM aspirants at every level of competition.
According to the new directive, all candidates vying for a given position must hold joint meetings instead of organizing parallel or individual rallies.
“Joint campaigns are mandatory,” he emphasized. “They promote unity, fairness, and discipline within the party, and they allow our voters to hear from all candidates in the same space. This is the spirit of the NRM’s internal democracy.”
He, however, noted that the Electoral Commission would consider a few special cases, but only if they receive explicit prior approval.
“There will be no exceptions unless someone has formally applied to the Electoral Commission and has been granted permission. We are not going to entertain disorder,” Dr. Odoi warned.
In a bid to further streamline the campaign environment, Dr. Odoi also announced an outright ban on the ferrying of musicians and entertainers to campaign venues.
He said the practice, which has become common in recent primaries, often turns political meetings into concerts, distracting voters from the real issues and fueling divisions.
“From now on, we do not want to see people ferrying musicians to campaign venues,” he declared firmly. “These musicians disrupt the order and the spirit of joint campaigns. Our people want to hear ideas and policies, not shows.”
He said the use of entertainment to draw crowds undermines the purpose of joint campaigns, which is to ensure equal access to voters and a level playing field for all aspirants.
“If you think you are popular, prove it with your ideas and the way you speak to the people, not by paying musicians to dance for you,” Dr. Odoi quipped.
The NRM Electoral Commission chairperson stressed that these measures were designed to safeguard party cohesion, reduce tensions, and prevent violence during the primaries.
He noted that previous elections had been marred by fights, allegations of vote rigging, and disruptions caused by rival camps holding separate rallies in the same areas.
“Joint campaigns reduce the cost for candidates, ensure equal time for everyone, and prevent unnecessary clashes,” Dr. Odoi explained. “These guidelines are not suggestions, they are rules that everyone must follow.”
He also warned that candidates who defy the new directives risk facing disciplinary action from the party.
“We are watching closely. Anyone who thinks they are bigger than the party will find themselves disqualified,” he said.
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This is great thanks Mr odoi. This Will help us hear in Bukooli central where selwanyi have nothing to tell voters but only making them to lineup and give them money.