The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong Awany, has issued a strong directive warning individuals contesting as independent candidates against the misuse of the party’s symbols, flag, and identifiers in their campaigns.
In a memorandum dated October 22, 2025, addressed to all NRM leaders and members, Todwong emphasized that only duly declared NRM flag bearers are authorized to use the party’s official symbols and identifiers.
He noted that some individuals who lost in the party primaries have continued to use the NRM flag and logo in their personal campaigns, an act he said misleads the public and undermines the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes.
“Any person who is not a duly declared NRM flag bearer for any elective position is strictly prohibited from using the NRM flag, symbols, or any other identifiers of the party in their campaigns or related activities,” Todwong stated.
He further cautioned that unauthorized use of the NRM’s symbols constitutes an offence under the Uganda Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, 2006.
The Secretary General also directed that all NRM leaders who choose to contest as independents or openly support independent candidates against official party flag bearers must immediately step aside from their leadership roles within the party. Their responsibilities will, he said, be temporarily assumed by the next person in the hierarchy as guided by the NRM constitution.
According to Todwong, the move is intended to preserve the core values of discipline, loyalty, and unity that define the NRM, and to prevent internal conflict or sabotage of the party’s mobilization efforts.
He also issued guidance for independent candidates who wish to express support for the NRM Presidential candidate and party chairman, advising them to clearly distinguish their personal campaign symbols from those of the NRM.
“While independent candidates may express support for the NRM Presidential candidate, they must ensure that only the official NRM symbol, the bus, is used to represent him,” Todwong clarified.
He recommended that campaign posters feature two distinct sections: one side displaying the independent candidate’s personal symbol, and the other showing the NRM presidential flag bearer with the bus symbol.
Todwong concluded by calling on all members to respect and uphold the integrity of the NRM’s structures, symbols, and democratic decisions, saying this discipline is vital for party unity and effective mobilization ahead of the 2026 general elections.
