NRM Kicks Off Expression of Interest Process for 2026 Elections

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has officially launched its expression of interest process for the 2026 general elections, inviting members from across the country to pick nomination forms to contest for parliamentary seats, district chairperson positions, and other key local government offices under the party ticket.

The process, which began today at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters in Kyadondo, will run until June 15, with official nominations scheduled for June 17, according to the party’s Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi.

“Any member vying for a parliamentary seat must pay a non-refundable fee of three million shillings,” Dr. Tanga told the press confirming that the exercise had started smoothly and was progressing well.

By 9:00 a.m., party faithful from various parts of the country had already begun arriving at the party offices to collect nomination forms.

Among the first high-profile figures to show up was Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo, who is seeking re-election as the Katakwi District Woman MP.

In 2021, she ran as an independent after losing in the party primaries, but ultimately defeated the official NRM flag bearer, Violet Akurut. This time, Alupo is running under the official party banner from the outset.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among also picked her nomination forms, reaffirming her bid to retain the Bukedea District Woman MP seat, which she currently holds.

“I encourage all aspirants to use this time wisely and avoid last-minute rushing,” Speaker Among said while addressing reporters at the NRM EC office.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa followed suit, collecting forms to defend his seat as Ruhinda North MP in Mitooma District.

While many aspirants expressed excitement over the smooth start to the process, there were also strong calls for internal party elections to be handled with transparency and calm.

Several contenders urged the NRM Electoral Commission to ensure that the primaries are free from violence, citing past episodes of election-related chaos which, they argue, tarnish the party's image and weaken internal cohesion.

“We want peaceful, well-managed primaries this time,” one aspiring MP from Sironko, Asha Mafabi noted. “Violence during internal elections hurts not just candidates but also the party’s credibility.”

This expression of interest phase is the first of several steps in the party’s roadmap toward selecting official flag bearers ahead of the 2026 general elections.

It covers Parliamentary seats, Local Council V (LCV) Chairpersons, City and Municipal Mayors, and District Councillors.