Controversy has erupted within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) after a group of legislators, who lost in the party’s July 2025 primaries, claimed President Yoweri Museveni authorized them to run as independents in the upcoming 2026 general elections.

Led by Kapelebyong County MP Anthony Esenu Alden, the group comprising over 210 incumbent MPs and ministers insists that Museveni gave them a green light to contest as "NRM-leaning independents" during his campaign tour in Arua City. 

“His Excellency was concerned about the electoral flaws and suggested we represent our people where necessary,” Esenu told journalists.

However, top party officials have firmly denied this interpretation. Government Chief Whip and Chairperson of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, Denis Hamson Obua, dismissed the claims as false and misleading.

“The President and the Central Executive Committee (CEC) explicitly discouraged NRM members from running as independents, as this fragments the party and confuses supporters,” Obua stated. He warned that anyone who contests outside the party after participating in the primaries risks being viewed as having voluntarily left the NRM.

NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong echoed this stance, reaffirming that while the law allows individuals to contest independently, the party's constitution does not support those who break ranks after losing in primaries.

“Running as an independent after losing in the primaries is tantamount to leaving the NRM,” Todwong told reporters. “Such actions weaken our unity and confuse voters.”

In an official statement from State House on October 14, 2025, President Museveni directly addressed the issue, warning that independent candidates risk dividing the NRM vote, potentially benefiting the opposition. “If you divide the vote and the opposition wins, how will you forgive yourself?” he asked, recalling the 2021 elections in which the NRM lost 21 parliamentary seats in Buganda due to vote-splitting.

Museveni advised dissatisfied members to challenge electoral irregularities through legal means instead of running as independents. “If results were tampered with, bring evidence. Those responsible can face criminal action,” he said. He further urged political aspirants to establish financial stability before entering the political arena. “Don’t join politics when you’re poor. Take a soft loan from the Parliamentary Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation - SACCOs, build yourself, and return stronger,” the President suggested.

Despite these warnings, some of the ousted MPs remain resolute. Bunyole East MP Yusuf Mutembuli, who serves as legal adviser to the breakaway group, argued that the NRM Electoral Tribunal failed to fairly adjudicate their petitions.

“The tribunal did not handle our petitions objectively. We’re now turning to the court of public opinion, and voters will decide,” he asserted. Mutembuli also pointed to Article 72(4) of the Constitution, Article 8 of the NRM Party Constitution, and the Political Parties and Organisations Act as legal grounds supporting their right to contest independently.

Luuka District Woman MP Esther Mbulakubuza Mbayo defended their move, framing it as a strategic effort to safeguard NRM strongholds from opposition infiltration.

“We’re not defying the party; we’re saving it. Even Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo once ran as an independent and later rejoined the NRM,” Mbayo remarked.

Still, other voices within the party have criticized the group’s actions, accusing them of undermining party discipline and unity. Some party loyalists argue that the claims of presidential endorsement are a ploy to justify rebellion and create confusion among the electorate.

According to the NRM Electoral Commission, 302 aspirants lost in the July 2025 primaries. Of these, more than 210 sitting MPs and ministers have expressed intentions to run as independents, citing irregularities such as corruption, voter intimidation, and rigging.

Nevertheless, both State House and NRM leadership have categorically rejected any idea of "NRM-leaning independence," maintaining that party cohesion remains a top priority ahead of the January 2026 general elections.

URN