MBARARA
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is set to conduct elections for its local party structures and flag bearers, with communities across Uganda preparing for the exercise scheduled for May 6, 2025. The announcement was made during a press conference at the NRM office in Mbarara, where the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Tanga Odoi, outlined the election process and urged members to actively participate.
According to Odoi, each village will hold a baraza before the voting begins at 10 a.m. to scrutinize the voter register. He emphasized that the exercise would help communities verify eligible voters by confirming which members have left the village or passed away. The verification process will be led by the village NRM registrar, who will read out the names before the gathered residents.
The elections will focus on electing members of the mainstream NRM structure, including the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Secretary for Publicity, and Secretary for Finance. Notably, the National Party Chairman, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, will participate in the baraza at his local council in Rwakitura, while First Lady Janet Museveni will engage in the process at her residence in Ruhama. Odoi urged all NRM members to follow their example and take part in the electoral process.
In an effort to boost youth participation, Odoi reminded the public that any Ugandan aged 18 and below 35 is eligible to vote in the NRM elections. However, those seeking to become NRM flag bearers for the National Youth Council Committee at the village level must be aged between 18 and 30 years. He further clarified that no new members will be added to the register on election day, except for updates to telephone numbers and National Identification Numbers (NINs).
For villages where positions remain unfilled, Odoi recommended that residents choose among those present to ensure all leadership roles are occupied. He acknowledged that Rubirizi District would hold its elections on May 7 due to the presence of a busy market on Tuesday, while the rest of the country would proceed with voting on May 6.
Odoi also issued a stern warning against individuals misusing their offices to mislead party members, stating that only authorized officials could disseminate official information regarding the elections. He encouraged Ugandans not only to engage in the NRM electoral process but also to check and update the national register to ensure their participation in national elections, including voting for the president.
Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Mbarara, Polly Katwire, called for a peaceful electoral exercise, cautioning those who might disrupt polling stations that law enforcement would take necessary action. He urged citizens to conduct the elections in a family-like atmosphere, resolving disputes amicably within the party. Katwire also revealed that authorities had been alerted to villages known for chaotic elections and assured the public that measures had been put in place to prevent disruptions.
As Uganda prepares for this key internal election, NRM members are encouraged to uphold democratic principles and ensure a smooth electoral process, reflecting unity within the party.
