Grassroots supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have issued an urgent appeal to senior party leaders and security officials, demanding immediate action to ensure transparency, neutrality, and peace in the upcoming party primaries.
The appeal is directed at Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, Richard Todwongo, NRM Secretary General, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba. Supporters have expressed concern that the credibility of the electoral process is at risk due to increasing reports of bias and intimidation by some District Police Commanders (DPCs) and NRM District Registrars.
Citing specific districts such as Kayunga, Ssembabule, and Kamuli, supporters allege that some DPCs and Registrars have aligned themselves with certain political aspirants, compromising their neutrality and fueling tension on the ground. They fear that without urgent intervention, the party could witness a repeat of the violence and chaos that marred the 2020 NRM primaries.
While speaking to the media in Mubende during the Presidential tour on the Parish Development Model (PDM), several cadres called on Dr. Tanga Odoi to reshuffle or suspend NRM District Registrars who have been petitioned or accused of bias. They praised the national leadership of the NRM Electoral Commission but expressed deep dissatisfaction with how some district-level officials are conducting themselves.
The grassroots further demanded that the IGP immediately transfer DPCs who have allegedly been compromised, noting that police officers should remain impartial and focused on maintaining law and order during the primaries—not on supporting individual candidates.
“We are losing trust in the process. If this continues, our people will not accept the results. The President is a man of peace, and he respects all Ugandans. He would not condone intimidation or manipulation,” said Joab Muteesa, National NRM Mobilizer.
Mr. Kidu Makubuya, a prominent NRM cadre from Kayunga District, specifically accused the District Registrar of working closely with District NRM Chairperson Moses Karangwa, whose daughter is reportedly an aspiring candidate. He urged the party leadership to urgently replace the registrar and restore trust among the electorate.
Muteesa added that intimidation in Kayunga is “too much,” with residents reportedly being threatened with arrest for supporting alternative candidates.
“This fear is unacceptable, and if not addressed, it will breed violence. We want clean, peaceful elections where the will of the people is respected,” Muteesa said.
The grassroots believe that restoring neutrality among security and electoral officials will help deliver a peaceful and credible election and revitalize confidence in the party’s internal democracy.
The situation, they warn, is critical. Without swift action from Dr. Tanga Odoi, Todwongo, and IGP Byakagaba, the credibility of the NRM primaries—and by extension, the party’s unity—could be at stake.
