Tensions have emerged within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the Bukedi sub-region following a meeting between top party Central Executive Committee (CEC) leaders and grassroots party structures, where local leaders say they were issued what they described as authoritarian directives to mobilize support strictly for official party flag bearers.
The meeting, held last Sunday at Pallisa Secondary School, brought together NRM grassroots chairpersons and flag bearers from across the sub-region.
However, instead of fostering unity, several attendees say the engagement left many uncomfortable, accusing senior party officials of issuing threats rather than addressing long-standing grievances that have fueled the rise of independent candidates within the party’s traditional strongholds.
Sam Kalimokini, a political mobiliser from Butebo District, attributed the growing number of disgruntled NRM independents to what he called the party’s failure to adequately handle election petitions filed before the NRM tribunal.
He argued that many aggrieved aspirants felt unheard after their complaints were allegedly rushed through without thorough consideration.
“The tribunal did not give these petitions enough time. That is why those who felt cheated decided to take their case to the people during the general elections,” Kalimokini said.
He was quick to distinguish President Yoweri Museveni from the controversy, describing him as an honest leader who has avoided attacking NRM independents.
According to Kalimokini, the President has instead focused on his core message of economic transformation, urging Ugandans to support him so that programmes like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other wealth-creation initiatives can be expanded.
“Independents mobilise votes for him at their own cost, not party money,” he added.
Kalimokini further criticised CEC members who, he said, “know they are not on any ballot come January 15, 2026,” yet allegedly used the meeting to threaten grassroots leaders.
“How can a leader who truly loves the National Chairperson think threats will work?” he asked, noting that the remarks were broadcast live on local radio stations and widely heard.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Aaron Mbulanteye, also from Butebo District, who said the President’s position is not in question, given that he went unopposed as NRM flag bearer.
However, Mbulanteye insisted that voters should be free to decide on parliamentary and local leaders.
“Our LCV chairperson, James Okurut, is a very good leader and President Museveni himself appreciated his work in Butebo,” Mbulanteye said.
“How do you expect me to drop such a leader in favour of a fraudulently elected flag bearer? One good thing is that those who threaten talk and go away, but we voters remain.”
Joseph Okiba from Agule argued that the President’s anticipated votes in Bukedi are largely a result of his personally initiated programmes, which citizens can see and benefit from.
In a similar vein, Amina Kataike said Bukedi’s loyalty to President Museveni should not be taken for granted or used as a stage for intimidation.
“Bukedi is fertile ground for Museveni. You don’t waste time trapping an already caught animal; go to the wilderness and hunt the stray ones,” Kataike remarked, urging party leaders to focus their energy on regions hostile to the NRM instead.
Concerns were also raised over the conduct of party officials. John Kasule from Kadama in Kibuku District criticised NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Prof. Tanga Odoi, saying public threats to sack staff were unnecessary.
“To me, he was just trying to prove to the appointing authority that he was working, yet the return of independents is due to poor election management,” Kasule said.
However, speaking during the same engagement, the NRM Second Vice Chairperson (Female) and Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, struck a firm tone.
Among, who is also the unopposed MP for Bukedea District awaiting swearing-in, reminded party members that NRM’s village campaign machinery comprises 63 leaders drawn from the mainstream, youth, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, older persons, and the LC1 executive.
“As a member of the CEC, I must be clear: any party member who supports independents risks having the flag removed and given to another person,” Among warned.
She also highlighted recent resolutions to financially facilitate party chairpersons and LC1 leaders, revealing that LC1s will now earn UGX 100,000 per month, up from UGX 10,000, while LCV chairpersons are expected to receive up to UGX 9 million monthly.
Meanwhile, in Pallisa Town, boda boda rider Denis Arikod faulted NRM leaders for failing to resolve disputes among Pallisa County parliamentary aspirants, particularly between Enock Okoler of the Democratic Party (DP) and Ibrahim Aisu of the NRM.
Arikod cited the NRM–DP cooperation agreement as a basis for dialogue, noting that similar mediation had previously enabled DP Secretary General Gerald Siranda to secure a position in the East African Legislative Assembly.
Jesca Kantono of Eastern Ward, Pallisa Town Council, said the unresolved confusion between DP and NRM candidates has driven voters toward independent contender Okurut Julius Arecho.
“He is the only one who has widely promoted President Museveni on social media at his own cost. That shows genuine love for the party, unlike others focusing on facilitation,” Kantono said.
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