By KT Reporter
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has warned all aspiring Central Executive Committee (CEC) candidates against indiscipline, sabotage, and internal antagonism as the party prepares for its National Delegates’ Conference scheduled for August 27th to 28th, 2025.
This was during a meeting on Tuesday summoned by the NRM Secretariat and Chaired by National Vice Chairperson, Alhaji Moses Kigongo, who was joined by the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, and Secretary General Richard Todwong. The meeting, which brought together all the CEC aspirants, focused on key guidelines for the election process, the expected code of conduct, and rising concerns about divisions within the party.
Kigongo emphasised that discipline remains the foundation of the NRM’s longevity, warning aspirants against using influence to intimidate or sabotage opponents.
He has urged them to maintain respect, avoid antagonism, and remember that leadership is a service to the party and the country, not a personal entitlement. He noted that the peace and unity Ugandans enjoy under NRM must be upheld through responsible leadership.
Todwong said there were concerns about unethical campaign behaviour, including candidates hiding voters, voter lists and sponsoring media attacks against rivals.
He warned that any such acts would not be tolerated and could lead to disqualification. He said all candidates would be treated equally and urged them to present themselves with integrity and maturity throughout the campaign period.
He also addressed the issue of misinformation within the party, saying that many had been speaking out of turn and misrepresenting the party’s processes.
According to Tadwong, this miscommunication was hurting the NRM’s image, especially as the party moves into a critical electoral period. The party leadership confirmed that due diligence had been conducted on all aspirants and that further vetting would involve interaction with the Central Executive Committee to assess ideological alignment and readiness for leadership roles.
Candidates cleared at this level would then be presented to the National Executive Council (NEC), and subsequently, to the Delegates’ Conference.
Dr. Tanga Odoi, the NRM EC Chairperson, reiterated the importance of following the party constitution in the election of both regional and national leaders. He reminded aspirants that while regional youth leaders would be elected by their respective regions, vice chairpersons would be voted for nationally, in line with their wider mandate.
He clarified that any candidate who withdraws from the race must officially sign withdrawal forms and that all candidates must appoint polling agents from amongst the voting delegates themselves. He dismissed claims of nepotism in the process and maintained that family connections would not influence the outcome.
Dr Tanga Odoi’s son is one of the Candidates in the race for National Youth League Chairperson, and there were concerns that Tanga Odoi is not fit to preside over the coming elections since his son is in the race.
Some aspirants raised concerns about the neutrality of CEC members who are also eyeing re-election, pointing to a potential conflict of interest in the vetting process. Others questioned the fairness of the system, especially where family members of top party officials are involved. There were also calls for electoral reform, with some expressing dissatisfaction with the current method of voting by lining up behind candidates.
Despite the tension, the party leadership has assured aspirants that fairness would be upheld throughout the process.
They called for unity and urged members not to import divisive political tactics that undermine the party’s cohesion. The leaders emphasised that elections should not be driven by ego or personal ambition but by commitment to serve the party and its values.
Meanwhile, the former Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga and her predecessor Anita Annet Among did not attend the meeting but sent representatives.
The two are contesting against each other for the position of Second National Vice Chairperson (Female).
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