NRM Secretary General Warns NRM Leaders Against Backing Independent Candidates in LC1 Elections

NWOYA — National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong has issued a stern warning to elected party leaders against supporting independent candidates in the forthcoming Local Council I (LC1) elections, saying the party will take disciplinary action against officials who undermine its officially endorsed flag bearers.

Todwong made the remarks on Saturday while speaking to journalists in Nwoya District as the NRM intensified its grassroots mobilisation ahead of the July 28 LC1 elections.

The NRM Secretary General said the party had adopted a firm position against indiscipline and would not tolerate party officials who openly or secretly mobilise support for candidates contesting against individuals officially endorsed to represent the party.

He warned that leaders found campaigning for independent candidates or candidates running against official NRM flag bearers risked facing sanctions from the party.

"As a party and as a system, we are focusing on supporting our flag bearers. We do not expect any leader to contest against a flag bearer or mobilise support against a flag bearer," Todwong said.

"That would be extremely risky for you as a leader because we do not condone such behaviour. This time, the party is very serious, and there will be sanctions against leaders who engage in such acts."

The warning comes at a time when the NRM is seeking to consolidate its support at the grassroots following the conclusion of the party's internal electoral processes and the recent Women's Council elections.

Todwong said the party had received reports from some parts of the country, including Kampala and Wakiso, where individuals were allegedly presenting themselves as NRM flag bearers despite not having been officially endorsed.

He also cited cases where some party members who failed to secure the NRM ticket were allegedly supporting independent candidates in an attempt to defeat the party's official candidates.

According to Todwong, the NRM has complete records of all candidates who were officially endorsed and whose names were submitted to the Electoral Commission.

He therefore challenged anyone claiming to be an NRM flag bearer to prove their official endorsement.

"We know our flag bearers because they have all been officially endorsed. We have their records and the lists submitted to the Electoral Commission. Anyone claiming to be an NRM flag bearer should be able to prove that," he said.

The NRM Secretary General acknowledged that internal disagreements and personal interests had contributed to divisions in some areas, with some party members allegedly sponsoring candidates outside the official party structures.

However, he said such actions were unacceptable because they risked weakening the party's unity and undermining the collective efforts of the NRM at the grassroots.

"We know there are a few places where, because of internal wrangles, some members are sponsoring other candidates. That is unacceptable because our focus is on ensuring our official flag bearers succeed," Todwong said.

He further revealed that disciplinary measures had already begun against some leaders implicated in activities deemed contrary to the party's interests.

According to Todwong, some leaders holding positions within the party had been asked to step aside as investigations into their conduct continue.

"Those already holding leadership positions have been written to, and some have since stepped aside because we do not want personal interests to interfere with the party's objectives," he added.

The warning is part of the NRM's wider effort to maintain party discipline and ensure that its structures operate in a coordinated manner as the country heads into the LC1 elections.

Todwong urged party members to put aside personal differences that may have emerged during the internal selection processes and instead rally behind candidates officially chosen to carry the NRM flag.

He said the party's focus should now shift from internal competition to securing victory for its candidates and strengthening the NRM's presence at the village level.

LC1 Elections Critical to Grassroots Governance

Todwong described the LC1 elections as among the most important elections in Uganda's governance system, arguing that village-level leadership plays a crucial role in connecting communities with both government and political structures.

He called on NRM supporters to participate actively in the elections and turn up in large numbers to vote for the party's official candidates.

"The LC1 is the foundation of both the party and government because it directly connects leadership with households. This election is critical in our efforts to fight household poverty and deepen grassroots mobilisation," he said.

The Secretary General said effective leadership at the village level was essential to the implementation of government programmes because LC1 leaders are directly connected to households and communities.

He noted that the NRM's grassroots structures would continue to play a central role in mobilising citizens, promoting government programmes and supporting efforts aimed at improving household incomes.

Todwong expressed confidence that the party's extensive mobilisation machinery would translate into strong electoral performance for its candidates.

He pointed to the NRM's network, stretching from the Central Executive Committee to regional coordination teams, district leadership and grassroots structures, as a key strength in the party's campaign for the LC1 elections.

He also highlighted the role of Village Barazas, which the party has been using as platforms to engage communities, mobilise supporters and communicate its programmes and priorities.

NRM Claims Strong Performance in Women's Council Elections

Todwong also praised NRM supporters for what he described as a strong performance in the recently concluded Women's Council elections.

He said preliminary reports reaching the party indicated that between 85 and 92 percent of the elected grassroots leaders belonged to the NRM.

The Secretary General said the reported performance demonstrated the strength of the party's grassroots structures and the impact of sustained mobilisation across the country.

According to Todwong, the NRM's structures have remained active throughout the electoral cycle, enabling the party to maintain contact with supporters and communities at the village level.

He said the same mobilisation strategy would now be deployed to support NRM flag bearers in the LC1 elections. 

The Secretary General's remarks signal a renewed push by the ruling party to enforce discipline among its leaders while consolidating its grassroots structures ahead of the village-level polls.

With the July 28 LC1 elections approaching, the NRM leadership is calling on its members to remain united, respect the party's official candidates and avoid actions that could divide supporters or weaken the party's electoral prospects.

Todwong's warning also underscores the party leadership's determination to ensure that official NRM flag bearers receive the full backing of the party machinery, while leaders who support rival candidates face disciplinary consequences.