Calls for internal unity in Soroti post-NRM primaries

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In Uganda's eastern city of Soroti, the defeated contenders in the just-concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections have been urged to embrace reconciliation and support the flagbearers.

Within the last nine days, the ruling NRM party has conducted primaries for Members of Parliament, district chairpersons, city and division mayors, as well as city and district councillors.

The winners of these internal elections are the party's flagbearers in next year's general elections, which will be conducted between January 12 and February 9, 2026.

With the general election within sight, the NRM is urging internal cohesion and unity in the wake of its nationwide primaries that have produced not only winners but also aggrieved contestants, some of whom have lodged petitions.

The party's Election Disputes Tribunal, chaired by John Musiime, says it will begin the hearing of disputes from specifically the July 17 parliamentary primaries this coming Tuesday (July 29).

The tribunal, organised into eight panels, will handle electoral concerns including;

▪️ Allegations of vote rigging

▪️ Multiple voting

▪️ Violence and obstruction of polling agents

▪️ Participation of ineligible candidates

▪️ Procedural irregularities during voting and tallying

In Soroti city, meanwhile, resident city commissioner John Michael Okurut has said losing candidates need to put aside their differences, embrace reconciliation, and rally behind those who secured the party tickets.





Okurut warned that internal divisions can weaken the party’s support base ahead of the 2026 general elections.

He also said they will work to ensure that Soroti city is 'painted' yellow come 2026 — in reference to the NRM's official colour.