NRM primaries proved party is still popular and here to stay

________________

OPINION

By David Serumaga

Under the multiparty system, political parties are expected to hold primary elections, allowing members to elect competent candidates who will then compete against flagbearers from other parties. The NRM party has consistently organised these primaries at both local and national levels since 2006, including in 2011 and 2016.

On July 17, 2025, Uganda took a significant step towards the 2026 general election as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) conducted its primary elections across 72,000 villages in 519 counties, with 9.2 million voters lining up behind candidates or their representatives.

Although the process did not proceed perfectly, it demonstrated a transparent approach to delivering justice and promoting democracy in Uganda. The lining-up method was introduced in 2020 following approval by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) during a meeting held at State House, Entebbe. This approach was developed to address the challenges experienced during the 2015 NRM primaries, such as logistical shortcomings and delayed distribution of election materials.

Ironically, opposition members have criticised this lining-up process. However, it proves that the NRM remains the only party in Uganda to have successfully offered its members a democratic opportunity to elect flag bearers. While the election faced various challenges, the fact that the process was completed is commendable.

Moreover, previous NRM primaries have demonstrated that it is the only political party in Uganda capable of registering members and mobilising them nationwide to participate actively in the party’s internal democratic processes. What made these primaries particularly remarkable was the atmosphere before the elections, which suggested that a general election was already underway. This sent a clear message to the world that NRM remains a dominant political force in Uganda and across Africa.

As the father of Uganda’s democracy, an experienced leader, Chairperson of the NRM party, and President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Ssabalwanyi Ssemalungu has publicly offered constructive criticism and guidance following the recent primaries. To uphold democracy and fairness, he has established a tribunal to address any grievances arising from the NRM primary elections.

Opposition politicians, however, seem unwilling or unable to learn. They lack the courage to challenge the NRM primaries, as they cannot even organise a party election at the village level. Parties such as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Democratic Party (DP), National Unity Platform (NUP), JEEMA, and others are still struggling to establish themselves within Uganda’s political landscape.

To be frank, how can these parties claim to practice democracy nationally when they have failed to uphold democratic principles internally? Simply awarding someone a party card without a proper electoral process is undemocratic.

It is particularly disappointing that NUP leaders continue to complain in the media and at conferences that NRM has failed to build democracy, when, in fact, they themselves are the worst offenders when it comes to democratic practices. NUP cannot convince anyone that a small group of individuals, meeting in a cramped room in Kavule, Magere, or Kamwokya, can legitimately decide on behalf of hundreds of others.

They overlook the fact that political party primaries are crucial to building democracy because they provide a platform for political representation and participation. Primaries also serve as an important mechanism for maintaining democratic accountability and ensuring government responsiveness.

The NUP party’s approach is vague and should not be considered a true election but rather a selection process. Denying members the opportunity to elect who will carry the party flag contradicts democratic norms. There are reports that, at critical times, NUP generates funds by selling party cards to the highest bidders rather than supporting capable leaders.

Such blatant vote manipulation is unacceptable in this century. Can the Bobi Wine–Chemutai–Fred Nyanzi commission genuinely represent the people they have yet to select on behalf of the majority of their supporters? Should Bobi Wine and his team, by some chance, be entrusted with leading Uganda, one of their first actions might be to repeal Article 59 of the Constitution, which guarantees every Ugandan aged 18 and above the right to vote.

Unlike the ruling NRM, which allows all members to freely vote for their preferred candidates in democratic primaries, NUP denies its members this fundamental right. Instead, decisions are made behind closed doors by small committees without genuine member participation.

For example, Johnmary Ssebuwufu, who is both contesting for LC5 Nakawa West and serving on the vetting committee, occupies a unique position where he could fairly assess all candidates, including himself and demonstrate transparent leadership. However, this closed system prevents even capable individuals like him from enabling true democratic competition within the party.

The writer is a law student currently working with the Uganda Media Centre

serumagadavid916@gmail.com