Cohesion and Unity: The key test for NRM’s success

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OPINION

By Moses Kazibwe

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has been Uganda’s dominant political force for decades, largely due to its organisational discipline, ideological coherence, and strategic mobilisation.

However, as the 2026 general election approaches, internal cohesion, unity, and strict adherence to party rules will be decisive factors in securing victory. The emergence of independent candidates from within NRM ranks has historically weakened the party’s electoral performance by splitting its support base. To avoid this pitfall, the NRM must enforce party discipline, minimise independent candidacies, and present a united front to voters.

Why is cohesion and unity critical for NRM’s electoral strategy?

One of the biggest threats to NRM’s dominance is the proliferation of independent candidates who defect after losing party primaries. These candidates often draw votes away from the official NRM flagbearers, leading to unexpected losses.

We can learn from previous cases. For example, in the 2021 elections, several NRM-leaning independents contested against official party candidates, resulting in defeats in key constituencies. For instance, in Bukedea district, an independent candidate split the NRM vote, allowing the Opposition to win. A repeat of such scenarios in 2026 could erode the party’s parliamentary majority.

A political party’s strength lies in its ability to enforce discipline. NRM must ensure that members respect internal processes, including primary elections. Those who lost in primaries should rally behind the party’s chosen candidates rather than running as independents.

Example: In the 2016 elections, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi ran as an independent after disagreements within NRM. His candidacy divided the party’s support base, although President Yoweri Museveni still won. However, such divisions risk greater damage in a more competitive 2026 race.

A fractured party sends conflicting signals to voters. When NRM leaders publicly disagree or rebel against the party’s decisions, it creates confusion and weakens voter confidence. A disciplined, unified campaign ensures a clear and compelling message.

In the 2021 elections, NRM’s official candidates in some regions struggled because independent candidates campaigned on different agendas, diluting the party’s manifesto. A consolidated campaign in 2026 will prevent such inconsistencies.

NRM should implement binding agreements for all primary contestants, requiring them to support the winner or face sanctions, including expulsion from the party. This will discourage defections.

Example: The Democratic Party in Kenya uses a loyalty pledge system, where primary losers must sign commitments to support the official candidate. NRM could adopt a similar model. Many independents emerge due to grievances over unfair primaries. NRM should improve transparency in candidate selection and establish conflict-resolution mechanisms to address disputes before they escalate.

Example: In Tanzania, Chama Cha Mapinduzi uses rigorous vetting and mediation committees to minimise post-primary disputes, ensuring party unity. NRM could replicate this approach.

NRM should incentivise loyalty by rewarding members who abide by party decisions while imposing consequences on those who defect. This could include denying rebels future party tickets or government appointments.

Example: In Rwanda’s RPF, members who defy party decisions are sidelined from key positions. NRM could adopt a similar zero-tolerance policy for independents.

For NRM to secure a decisive victory in 2026, it must prioritise internal cohesion, enforce discipline, and minimise independent candidacies. The party’s history shows that unity equals electoral success, while divisions lead to unnecessary losses. By ensuring that all members respect party rules and support official candidates, NRM can consolidate its support base, present a strong front, and defeat the opposition. The 2026 elections will be a litmus test of NRM’s organisational strength. If the party remains united, it will prevail. If it allows fragmentation, it risks defeat. The choice is clear: Cohesion and discipline must be non-negotiable.

The writer is a farmer and NRM cadre