NRM Unveils Strict Campaign Rules for July 16 Polls, CEC Nominations Begin

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has rolled out stringent campaign guidelines for all Parliamentary, Mayoral, and LC5 aspirants ahead of the party’s internal elections scheduled for July 16, 2025. The move comes as campaigns officially kicked off on Tuesday, following a period of confusion among candidates regarding proper procedures.

Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, addressed the press in Kampala on Tuesday, emphasising that the new directives are mandatory for all candidates. He warned that any defiance would lead to severe consequences, asserting that the rules are designed to foster peaceful, fair, and disciplined electoral campaigns.

Key among the provisions is a strict ban on character assassination and personal attacks, aiming to maintain civility in the political discourse. Candidates are also explicitly prohibited from carrying firearms or utilising their own public address systems during rallies. To ensure a level playing field and standardised messaging, all campaign materials, including sound systems, will be provided and managed directly by the NRM party. Furthermore, the Commission announced that all campaign activities will be centrally funded by the party, requiring candidates to adhere strictly to the official campaign program without deviation.

The guidelines also regulate public interaction at rallies. Questions from the audience will only be permitted after all candidates have delivered their speeches, and any malicious or provocative questions will not be tolerated.

CEC Nominations Underway

Meanwhile, the process for nominations to the powerful Central Executive Committee (CEC), the NRM’s top decision-making organ, commenced today. Several prominent figures have already picked up nomination forms.

Among the early aspirants are:

• Michael Mawanda, vying for Vice Chairperson for the Western Region.
• Daniel Fred Kidega, seeking the position of Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda.
• Joseph Mukasa Sewaava, who is eyeing the role of Vice Chairperson for the Central Government.

Notably, Shadrack Nzaire Kaguta, a brother of President Yoweri Museveni, also picked nomination forms for the Vice Chairperson for the Western Region. He pledged to prioritise party unity and work towards strengthening the NRM’s popularity both within the region and across the country.

While Parliamentary, Mayoral, and LC5 candidates are elected through the “lining up” method, CEC hopefuls undergo a more rigorous selection process. Following nomination, candidates will face vetting by the outgoing CEC, which is chaired by the party president. This stage includes comprehensive interviews and background checks to assess their suitability for leadership.

The final election of vetted CEC aspirants will take place at the NRM National Delegates Conference, scheduled for August 22, 2025, at Namboole Stadium. Delegates from district party structures, special interest groups, and diaspora representatives will cast their votes. The CEC comprises key party leaders, including the National Chairperson, Vice Chairpersons representing various regions and groups, and the leadership of the NRM Youth League, among others.