The National Resistance Movement (NRM) village-level primaries in Bugiri district were thrown into chaos on Tuesday, 6th May 2025, leading to the postponement of elections in several villages due to reports of violence and widespread electoral malpractice. The exercise, intended to verify NRM members and elect LC1 flag-bearers and village NRM structures, was marred by allegations of voter importation and register tampering.
According to a report by Bugiri district NRM Election Officer, Dan Ngia, in some urban centers, candidates were suspected of transporting voters from rural villages to unfairly influence the outcome of the elections. The situation escalated in Nawampanda Village, Itakaibolu Parish, Nankoma Town Council, where Ngia reported that a candidate allegedly tore the voters’ register. The incident was reported to the police by the Village Registrar.
As a result of these irregularities, the elections in the affected villages have been rescheduled for today, Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, at 10:00 am.
Nationwide Exercise Underway
Despite the challenges in Bugiri and other parts of the country, the NRM conducted a nationwide electoral exercise across over 72,000 villages in Uganda. The exercise, led by Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, aims to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures through a transparent and community-led verification process.
Speaking at a community baraza in Rwakitura, Dr. Odoi emphasized the party’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent process. “We are dedicated to ensuring that the voices of our members are heard clearly and that the leadership reflects the will of the community,” he stated.
Across the country, residents have been actively verifying the NRM register and electing village-level leaders, including Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Secretary for Publicity. Furthermore, Special Interest Groups such as women, youth, older persons, veterans, and persons with disabilities are also electing their representatives.
Dr. Odoi clarified the age eligibility for participation, stating that youth aged 18 to 35 are eligible to participate in NRM structures, while those vying for national youth leadership roles must be under 30.
The NRM leadership will be closely monitoring the rescheduled elections in Bugiri to ensure a free, fair, and transparent process and to prevent any further incidents of violence or electoral malpractice. The outcome of these primaries will be crucial in shaping the party’s representation at the local level and its overall strength in the region.
