NRM Registers 1,834 Aspirants in First Week of Expression of Interest for 2026 General Elections

Kyadondo, Kampala | June 8, 2025 — The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has officially kicked off its roadmap to the 2026 general elections with an overwhelming nationwide response to the expression of interest exercise, which began on June 2, 2025, at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters in Kyadondo.

In just one week, a total of 1,834 party members have expressed interest in contesting for various political positions under the party’s ticket, according to NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi. These positions include constituency MPs, Woman Members of Parliament, LC V Chairpersons, District Councillors, City and Municipal Mayors, and representatives of Special Interest Groups (SIGs).

Dr. Tanga Odoi detailed the day-by-day turnout as follows:

Monday, 2nd June 2025 – 795 aspirants

Wednesday, 4th June 2025 – 508 aspirants

Thursday, 5th June 2025 – 423 aspirants

Saturday, 7th June 2025 – 91 aspirants

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) – 17 aspirants to date

The expression of interest period, which will run until June 15, 2025, is the first step in a structured process aimed at selecting the NRM’s official flag bearers. Official nominations are slated for June 17, with hopefuls already required to pay a non-refundable fee of UGX 3 million for parliamentary seats.

Dr. Tanga Odoi: “This is a strong validation of NRM’s strength” Speaking to the press, Dr. Odoi expressed satisfaction with the exercise’s progress and participation rate.

“We have succeeded very much, and it's also an indication that NRM is a loved party and will succeed very much,” he said. “We have leaders in all areas.”

Dr. Odoi pointed to the party's organizational strength and transparency as key factors behind the high turnout. He emphasized that the NRM has empirical data to support its nationwide popularity, citing the 18 million voters registered in the party’s database.

“When we say we have 18 million voters, people ask how we arrive at these numbers. But they are registered in the NRM register,” he explained.

A Call for Transparency Across the Political Spectrum

Dr. Odoi also challenged other political parties to embrace transparency by publicly sharing similar data.

“Let all political parties be as transparent as NRM by disclosing the members who have expressed interest through a verifiable process. We have our data signed and authenticated,” he added.

The NRM Electoral Commission has employed a robust verification system during the process. Aspirants are required to prove their NRM membership status through the party’s voter register. Upon verification, a printed slip indicating the aspirant's voter location is issued. Only verified NRM members are allowed to proceed to the next stage.

Dr. Odoi noted that this mechanism has helped the Commission avoid any major issues, adding that the party is considering a separate procedure for interested individuals who are currently not in the register.

“We have encountered no major problem because one is first checked against the register. Those who are not NRM members are automatically left out. We shall come up with a procedure to help those who weren’t registered, but for now, only those in the register qualify.”

As the process continues, Dr. Odoi urged all NRM supporters to actively engage and support the ongoing activities aimed at strengthening the party ahead of the 2026 elections.

“I call upon the NRM fraternity to continue supporting the party and doing what they can to make it stronger,” he concluded.

With more than a week still remaining for the expression of interest, the figures are expected to rise significantly, further reinforcing the NRM's vast national structure as it prepares to retain political dominance in 2026.