KAMPALA, Uganda — The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has issued a strict roadmap governing the internal process for selecting its flag bearer for the position of Speaker of Parliament, warning against campaigns, voter bribery, and smear tactics as competition intensifies within the party.
Addressing journalists on Friday evening, the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, announced that interested Members of Parliament must formally declare their interest between Friday and May 23 at 3:00pm.
Dr. Odoi said aspirants are required to submit handwritten letters of expression of interest together with their curriculum vitae, addressed to the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission.
According to the roadmap approved by the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), all applications will be forwarded to CEC, which is scheduled to meet on Sunday, May 24 at 9:00am to harmonise the list of contenders. The NRM Parliamentary Caucus will later convene the same day at State House at 2:00pm for further consideration.
Dr. Odoi noted that all 372 NRM Members of Parliament are eligible to contest for the Speakership position. However, he clarified that NRM-leaning independents will not be allowed to participate in the internal process either as candidates or voters.
In a bid to maintain order and discipline within the race, the party has imposed strict guidelines prohibiting any form of campaigning, inducement of voters, or negative publicity against rival candidates.
“Any candidate found campaigning, bribing voters, or engaging in smear campaigns risks disqualification,” Dr. Odoi warned.
He further disclosed that the former Speaker of Parliament and Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, is currently unwell and had formally communicated her inability to attend recent party engagements.
Dr. Odoi also revealed that 22 out of 23 CEC members attended the latest meeting, underscoring strong participation at the top party organ.
The Electoral Commission Chairperson emphasized that no fees are required from aspirants seeking to contest for the Speakership under the NRM ticket.
The process comes amid heightened political lobbying within the party, with emerging influence battles linked to various power blocs, including mobilization efforts associated with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a pressure group linked to Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
However, Dr. Odoi downplayed reports of internal divisions, describing recent public excitement following endorsements as mere celebration rather than official campaigning.
