Over 2,500 Aspirants Pick NRM Nomination Forms Ahead of 2026 Elections
With 2,518 aspirants already on board, the NRM is laying a strong foundation for the 2026 elections. The turnout is not only a testament to the party’s grassroots mobilization strength but also a reflection of the people's trust in its political direction.
As the political atmosphere heats up in Uganda ahead of the 2026 general elections, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has continued to attract a large number of aspirants seeking to contest on its ticket. By the close of Friday, 13th June 2025—Day 8 of the nomination process—a total of 2,518 individuals had expressed interest and picked nomination forms for various elective positions, including Constituency MP, Woman MP, and LC V Chairperson.
According to a report titled "Expression of Interest & Picking of Nomination Forms – NRM Primaries for MP & LC V Chairperson, 2025," a remarkable 130 aspirants picked forms on Day 8 alone, demonstrating the continued surge in interest for political leadership under the NRM flag.
The report offers a regional breakdown of the day’s activity, revealing active political engagement across all parts of Uganda:
Teso Sub-region recorded one of the highest numbers with 10 aspirants (6 for Constituency MP, 1 for Woman MP, and 3 for LC V Chairperson).
Lango followed closely with 11 aspirants, including 5 Constituency MPs, 1 Woman MP, and 5 LC V aspirants.
West Nile was another highly active region with 12 aspirants, spread across all three categories.
Greater Mukono and Busoga each registered 8 and 10 aspirants respectively, pointing to vibrant political interest in central and eastern Uganda.
Meanwhile, SIG MPs (Special Interest Group Members of Parliament) saw 15 expressions of interest, underscoring the importance of affirmative representation.
Other regions such as Acholi (4), Karamoja (7), Bugisu (4), Bukedi (10), Greater Masaka (4), and Rwenzori (7) also showed commendable participation.
National Totals from Day 8:
Constituency MPs: 68
Woman MPs: 15
LC V Chairpersons: 32
Total for the Day: 130
Growing Interest and Party Popularity
The cumulative total of 2,518 aspirants over eight days reflects not just the size and strength of the NRM but also the appeal of its internal democratic processes. The large turnout signifies an eagerness among Ugandans to participate in governance and the confidence in NRM’s structures to facilitate that ambition.
The NRM Electoral Commission continues to handle the process from its headquarters at Plot 13, Kyadondo Road, with transparency and efficiency, ensuring all aspirants are facilitated as per party guidelines. The ongoing process is part of the buildup to the NRM primaries, which will determine flag bearers for various constituencies and districts across Uganda.
The high number of interested candidates also underscores the party's commitment to internal democracy, providing equal opportunity for members to compete for elective positions. It is evident that the NRM is preparing for a robust and competitive primary season.
The nomination exercise continues in the coming days, and with the momentum witnessed so far, the numbers are expected to rise significantly before the deadline.
With 2,518 aspirants already on board, the NRM is laying a strong foundation for the 2026 elections. The turnout is not only a testament to the party’s grassroots mobilization strength but also a reflection of the people's trust in its political direction.
As Uganda moves closer to another critical electoral milestone, all eyes will be on the NRM primaries to see which candidates emerge victorious and how the party manages its internal competition to maintain unity ahead of the national vote. By John Kusolo
