NRM Unveils Roadmap for Kikuube LC 5 By-Election Primaries Following Banura’s Death

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has officially released a comprehensive roadmap to guide party primaries aimed at filling the vacant Kikuube District LC5 Chairperson seat, following the death of incumbent leader Peter Banura.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press briefing held at the Commission’s headquarters at Plot 13, Kyadondo Road in Kampala. Commissioner Hon. Jane Alisemera Babiha outlined the key timelines and procedures that will lead to the identification of the party’s flag bearer for the forthcoming by-election.

Expression of Interest Kicks Off Process

According to the roadmap, the process officially commenced on April 29, 2026, with the expression of interest and collection of nomination forms. This phase will run until Wednesday, May 6, 2026, and is being conducted at the NRM Electoral Commission offices.

Eligible aspirants are required to submit a formal expression of interest letter, accompanied by certified copies of their academic documents and an updated curriculum vitae. Submissions are to be made during working hours, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Nominations and Campaign Timeline

The nomination of candidates is scheduled to take place over two days, from May 7 to May 8, 2026. This will be followed by the drawing of the official campaign programme on May 9 at the district level, coordinated by the District Electoral Officer.

Joint campaigns involving all candidates will then run from May 10 to May 20, providing a platform for aspirants to engage voters across Kikuube District.

In parallel, the Commission will undertake an update and clean-up of the NRM voters’ register at the village level from May 11 to May 17, ensuring the credibility and inclusiveness of the electoral process.

Polling Day Set for May 22

Voting in the party primaries will take place on May 22, 2026, across all villages in Kikuube District. Results will be announced on the same day at both village and district levels.

Successful candidates will subsequently be nominated as official NRM flag bearers between May 25 and May 26 at the district headquarters, paving the way for the national electoral process.

Clear Eligibility Criteria for Aspirants

The Commission has set out strict eligibility requirements for all prospective candidates. Aspirants must be Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above, registered voters, and bona fide members of the NRM residing within the electoral area.

Additionally, candidates must possess a minimum qualification of an Advanced Level (A-Level) certificate or its equivalent. They must not be serving members of the armed forces, employees of government-owned institutions, or cultural leaders.

A non-refundable expression of interest fee of Shs1 million is also required, payable to the NRM account in Centenary Bank, Lugogo branch.

Voting by Lining Up

In line with the party’s traditional electoral practices, the primaries will be conducted using the “lining up” method, where voters physically queue behind their preferred candidates.

Call for Discipline and Order

Commissioner Babiha emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline throughout the process, urging all aspirants and stakeholders to adhere strictly to the roadmap timelines.

She cautioned against premature campaigning, noting that any candidate found violating the guidelines risks sanctions from the Commission.

“The Commission calls upon all aspiring candidates and stakeholders to remain calm and follow the established timelines. Campaigns should only be conducted within the officially designated period,” she said.

Filling a Leadership Vacuum

The roadmap comes at a critical moment for Kikuube District, following the passing of Peter Banura, who had been both the sitting LC5 Chairperson and chairperson-elect.

The NRM primaries are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the district’s political leadership, as the ruling party seeks to consolidate its support and present a strong candidate for the by-election.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a transparent, credible, and orderly process that reflects the will of party members in Kikuube.