NRM Draws the Sword: Independent Leaders Told to Resign

KAMPALA — The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has directed its party leaders who intend to contest the 2025/2026 General Elections as independent candidates to resign from their positions.

In a circular dated September 15, 2025, NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong warned leaders at all levels from village to national against defying the party by standing as independents.

The directive comes after some leaders who either lost in NRM primaries or did not participate have chosen to present themselves as independent candidates. Todwong described such moves as “against the Party position” and instructed affected leaders to immediately relinquish their offices.

“Those who have been nominated as independents must resign their positions as Party leaders and hand over the offices to their Vice Chairpersons or their respective level NRM Party Chairpersons,” the Secretary General stated.

He further cautioned that non-compliance would result in suspension from participating in NRM electoral activities.

The NRM said the measure aims to maintain cohesion and ensure smooth coordination of campaign activities as Uganda heads into what is expected to be a highly contested election.

The Electoral Commission opened nominations for elective positions on September 3, with the exercise scheduled to close on October 16, 2025.