NRM says overwhelmed by candidate nomination

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National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretary general Richard Todwong says the party has been overwhelmed by the number of candidates that have come to get nominated in the first two days of nomination.

“Out of the 560 plus positions for both MPs and LC5 chairpersons across the country, the party got 2,718 candidates that want to contest at different positions. Candidates are like speculators. You do not put your best into a constituency, and you go for the wrong party. The huge turn up of the candidates at the party EC offices yesterday speaks volumes that several Ugandans want to contest under the party,” Todwong says.

He made the remarks on June 18, 2025, while addressing the media at the NRM electoral commission offices in Nakasero, Kampala.

Todwong noted that although many candidates are to be nominated, only one candidate will be announced winner of the race.

“I want to appeal to those that will have lost in the party primaries to rally behind the winner who will be elected,” Todwong added.

During day two of the nomination of candidates, Hilary Onek, the Minister for Disaster, joined fellow ministers Matia Kasaija, Musa Echweru, and Persis Namuganza to get themselves nominated with the NRM party.

Onek noted that political leadership is a process, adding that it is not a one-off case.

“In political leadership, you work toward improving the lives of your electorates through the services that one offers. My people believe that I can still serve them better given my proven track record,” Onek said.

Seth Murari, who is eyeing Mbarara city mayorship revealed that his agenda focuses on elevating Mbarara city to a bigger status from its current one, adding that with expertise acquired from various countries, this will be shared with his electorates.

Napak Woman MP Faith Nakut, who seeks a re-election, said there are a lot of unfinished projects that need to be completed, adding that many of the electorates in her constituency are still grappling with household poverty.

“In my next term, fighting household poverty is top on my agenda,” Nakut said.

Kashari North MP Basi Bataringaya, who is seeking re-election, noted that in his current running term, he has been lobbying for his electorates, adding that as he seeks re-election, this is time to complete all lobbying and finish the projects in plan.

“I am ready for the second term in which I think I am in a better position to be given national duties so that I can perform on behalf of the electorate and Uganda at large,” Bataringaya said.