NRM Unveils Roadmap for Women Council and LC1 Elections, Calls for Unity and Grassroots Mobilisation

KAMPALA, Uganda – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has rolled out a detailed roadmap to guide its members through the upcoming Village Women Council and Local Council I (LC1) elections, with the party leadership urging discipline, unity and active participation as it prepares to consolidate its grassroots structures across the country.

Speaking at a press conference held at the NRM Secretariat in Kampala on Tuesday, NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong outlined the party's programme, which has been aligned with the Electoral Commission's election timetable to ensure all party structures are fully prepared for the village-level polls later this month.

Todwong described the elections as a cornerstone of grassroots democracy, noting that strong village leadership remains the foundation upon which the NRM has built its nationwide political organisation.

According to the Electoral Commission's programme, Ugandans will elect members of the Village Women Committees on July 23, 2026, while elections for Village (LC1) Chairpersons will be held on July 28, 2026.

Verification of Voters' Registers

The Secretary General urged all eligible NRM members to participate in the ongoing verification of residence and compilation of village voters' registers, an exercise being conducted by the Electoral Commission from July 6 to July 10. He explained that two separate registers would be used during the elections. "The register for the LC1 elections will include all eligible residents of the village aged 18 years and above, while the Women's Council register will only comprise women aged 18 years and above," Todwong explained. He stressed that inclusion on the appropriate register is a mandatory requirement for participation in the elections, whether as a voter or candidate. Village Barazas to Fill Vacancies To strengthen the party's structures at the grassroots, the NRM Electoral Commission will convene village barazas on July 10 throughout the country. The assemblies will fill vacancies among party flag bearers and elect NRM candidates for the five Village Women Committee positions in villages where gaps currently exist. Todwong appealed to all party members to attend the village assemblies, saying they play a vital role in ensuring the NRM fields candidates in every village across Uganda. He noted that the party already has candidates in the overwhelming majority of the country's more than 72,000 villages, with the current exercise targeting vacancies created by relocation, death or members who have left the party. Party Endorsement Mandatory Following the village barazas, the NRM will conduct an official endorsement exercise for all flag bearers between July 11 and July 14. Todwong emphasised that no aspiring NRM candidate will be allowed to seek nomination from the Electoral Commission without first obtaining the party's official endorsement. "Endorsement means your nomination forms must bear the official NRM stamp before you proceed for nomination by the Electoral Commission," he said. He explained that endorsements would be carried out by authorised party leaders, including parish chairpersons, sub-county chairpersons, district chairpersons and the Secretary General. The Electoral Commission will subsequently conduct official nominations from July 15 to July 19 at sub-county headquarters across the country. Fresh Mobilisation Drive In preparation for polling day, the NRM Directorate of Mobilisation will organise another round of village mobilisation barazas on July 22 to rally support for party candidates. Todwong clarified that these mobilisation meetings are distinct from the July 10 village assemblies organised by the NRM Electoral Commission, with the latter focusing on internal party processes while the former will concentrate on campaign mobilisation. He said the mobilisation exercise demonstrates the party's determination to maintain an active presence at the grassroots ahead of the elections. Warning Against Independent Candidates The Secretary General cautioned party members against contesting as independent candidates after failing to secure the NRM flag. He warned that such actions undermine party unity and violate the NRM Constitution. "The NRM does not support independent candidates who stand against officially endorsed party flag bearers. Those who choose to do so will be acting contrary to the party constitution and will face disciplinary action," Todwong warned. The remarks reaffirm the party's long-standing position that members dissatisfied with internal election outcomes should use established party mechanisms rather than contest against official candidates. Eligibility Requirements Todwong also reminded aspiring candidates of the legal requirements for participation in both the Village Women Committee and LC1 Chairperson elections. To qualify, a candidate must: Be a Ugandan citizen. Be at least 18 years old. Be a resident of the village where they intend to contest. Appear on the Electoral Commission's village voters' register. Possess a valid National Identity Card. He further noted that the Electoral Commission does not charge nomination fees for either election, encouraging all eligible citizens to participate without financial concern. Museveni to Address Party Members Todwong announced that President and NRM National Chairman H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will issue a special message to party members highlighting the importance of the grassroots elections and encouraging participation. He added that the NRM Secretariat will continue providing guidance and coordination throughout the electoral process to ensure smooth implementation of the party's roadmap. Expressing confidence in the party's preparedness, Todwong said the NRM's organisational strength remains rooted in its village structures. "The NRM is organised from the village upwards. We are ready for these elections, and we are confident of victory as we continue strengthening our grassroots leadership," he said. The press conference was attended by members of the NRM Top Management, underscoring the significance the ruling party attaches to the upcoming village-level elections, which are expected to shape local leadership and strengthen grassroots governance across Uganda.