The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party recently embarked on a significant voter registration initiative, allocating a substantial budget of Shs15 billion to fund the endeavor. This substantial investment underscores the party’s commitment to updating and expanding its membership register.
The voter registration exercise, launched amidst jubilation among NRM supporters, aims to comprehensively update the party’s register. The initiative includes extensive training for district party chairpersons, administrative secretaries, registrars, and regional coordinators affiliated with the Office of the National Chairman.
According to a spokesperson for the party, the current NRM membership stands at approximately 11.4 million members. This figure is based on the starting point of the registration process, which covers a vast geographical area comprising 146 districts, 2,184 sub-counties, towns, municipal divisions, 10,595 parishes, and 70,626 villages across Uganda.
The registration process is expected to span five days, culminating in a Village Baraza for final scrutiny of the register. Notably, this update marks the first comprehensive registration effort since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic imposed restrictions on such activities.
The funding for this ambitious undertaking is drawn from various sources, including the annual allocation of Shs35 billion to the NRM party. According to Godfrey Kiwanda, the NRM vice chairperson for Buganda region, a portion of this allocation has been earmarked for the voter registration initiative. Kiwanda emphasizes that prudent budgeting and prioritization have facilitated the realization of this project.
Additionally, Emmanuel Dombo, the party’s director of communications, revealed that over Shs200 million has been allocated for publicity efforts associated with the registration exercise. This investment underscores the party’s commitment to ensuring widespread awareness and participation among its members.
The significance of accurate voter registration was highlighted during the 2020 party primaries, where the absence of a reliable voter register posed significant challenges. In response, party national chairman President Museveni directed that all members possessing membership cards, regardless of their inclusion in the register, be permitted to vote.
President Museveni himself launched the update of the register exercise on February 28, emphasizing the importance of a transparent and interference-free process. He issued a stern warning to the Opposition, cautioning against any attempts to disrupt or undermine the integrity of the registration exercise, particularly with regards to the impending party primaries.
