Kampala, September 16, 2025 – The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has directed all party structure leaders who have been nominated as Independent candidates in the forthcoming 2025/2026 General Elections to immediately resign their party leadership positions.
In a circular dated September 15, 2025, and signed by the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, the party emphasized that it is against its constitution for leaders to run as Independents after either losing in the party primaries or opting out of the process.
“Those leaders who have not been nominated, please desist from presenting your candidature as Independents,” the statement reads in part.
The Electoral Commission began receiving nominations for elective positions on September 3, and the exercise will close on October 16, 2025. Todwong noted that several party structure leaders had either contested and lost in primaries or skipped them entirely, but were now seeking nomination as Independents—an act the NRM says undermines internal cohesion.
The directive requires such leaders to hand over their offices to Vice Chairpersons or respective NRM leaders at their level. Defiance, Todwong warned, will attract disciplinary measures, including suspension from participating in party activities.
“Those who do not take heed will also be suspended from participating in electoral activities on behalf of the NRM Party,” the circular adds.
The move, according to the Secretary General, is aimed at ensuring unity within the party and smooth coordination of campaigns ahead of the 2026 polls.
The communication has been copied to the NRM National Chairman, members of the Central Executive Committee, and all District/City Administrative Secretaries.
With the directive now in force, the NRM appears determined to avoid internal fragmentation as it prepares for a heated election season.
