2,100 pick NRM nomination forms in five days.

2,100 aspirants have so far picked nomination forms to contest for various positions within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), just five days into the nomination exercise. Figures released on Tuesday evening by the NRM Electoral Commission, chaired by Dr Tanga Odoi, show that 285 aspirants collected forms on the fifth day alone. These include 143 aspiring MPs, 56 district woman MPs, and 67 LC5 chairpersons. The nomination forms are to be returned between June 17 and June 30, 2025. Tanga attributed the surge in numbers to increased interest from youth and returning former legislators. He said the party will hold consensus meetings to minimise internal divisions. “Many former MPs, and we see the youth also coming. Are we ready to sit them down and see some consensus? Yes, we’re going to have a committee which will go round the country to talk to the candidates because if you have been there for many years, it doesn’t mean that you’re useless, but we don’t want divisions in the party. So we shall have consensus meetings, and we agree on a few things here and there. That is how NRM works,” Tanga said. On concerns about the Shs 3 million nomination fee, Odoi defended the amount, dismissing claims it was prohibitive. Among those joining the race is Harriet Tibulihwa Ssali Abwooli, who is challenging prime minister Robinah Nabanja for the Kakumiro Woman MP seat. Abwooli, a mobiliser under the Patriotic League Uganda (PLU), criticised incumbent leaders for what she termed “handout politics.” “What our incumbent leaders have always done is to always bring money to them [electorates], throw them any money they feel like giving them – not knowing that tomorrow, those people will land into a similar problem and they will need the same money of which they will not be there to give them the same money they have been giving,” she said. Adding: “During my tenure of office, I intend to work hand in hand with my people, with my community leaders to see how we can enhance income-generating projects right from the household level, such that every household earns an income daily,” she said. In Kitgum, state minister for Relief and incumbent Woman MP Lillian Aber picked forms to seek re-election, citing unfinished business in women empowerment, education, and health. She said initiatives like community inter-loaning were bearing fruit and promised to supply agricultural seedlings in the next phase. In Rushenyi County, Fidel Mubangizi joined the race to unseat MP Naomi Kabasharira, pledging to build a major hospital and provide ambulances. He urged voters to “elect servants, not kings.” In Mbarara City, mayoral aspirant Seith Murarira promised to prioritise sanitation, security, infrastructure, River Rwizi restoration, and youth employment. Other aspirants include Baker Kasisi, eyeing the Isingiro North seat held by minister Bright Rwamirama, and Afrida Ronald Olema for Lower Madi Okollo. Brandon Kintu also picked forms to retain his Kagoma County seat. Dr Paul Michael Bukenya is challenging NUP’s Denis Sekabira in Katikamu North, while Diana Ampaire Kampe picked forms under the Special Interest Groups category to contest for National Youth MP. The nomination exercise continues amid rising interest from both incumbents and new faces seeking to shape the NRM’s political direction.