BY ZALIMON BASIGHALHA ( GOOD LUCK)
The idea of having NRM flag bearers run unopposed in the 2026 General Elections has sparked intense debate within the party in Kasese district.
While some leaders, like Hajjat Farida Kaganda, Chairperson of the Kasese Municipality NRM Women League, believe this approach is justified given the current leaders’ performance, others strongly disagree.
Kezilesi Ndobya, Vice Chairperson of the Women League for Central Division, argues that endorsing sole candidature undermines internal democracy within the party.
Ndobya and other leaders have urged party officials to focus on mobilizing members to participate in the National Voter’s register exercise instead.
The NRM party constitution emphasizes the importance of primaries in selecting candidates, stating that all members who meet national legal requirements are eligible to run.
This has led some members, like Grace Mugume and Judith Katusabe, to advocate for giving voters the opportunity to choose their preferred candidates.
Interestingly, this is not the first time the NRM party has faced issues with unopposed candidates.
In previous elections, some candidates have run unopposed, with 12 NRM MPs sailing through unopposed in one instance.
Similarly, nine NRM Members of Parliament flag bearers were nominated unopposed by the Electoral Commission.
The party’s leadership will need to navigate these concerns and find a balance between promoting internal democracy and supporting incumbent leaders. ENDS.