National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong has warned elected party leaders against supporting independent candidates in the forthcoming LC1 elections, saying officials who undermine officially endorsed NRM flag bearers will face disciplinary action.
Speaking to journalists in Nwoya District on Saturday ahead of the July 28 village council elections, Todwong said the party had adopted a zero-tolerance approach to indiscipline and would sanction leaders found mobilising support for candidates contesting against official NRM flag bearers.
“As a party and as a system, we are focusing on supporting our flag bearers. We do not expect any leader to contest against a flag bearer or mobilise support against a flag bearer,” Todwong said.
He warned that party leaders who engage in such conduct risk facing serious consequences.
“That would be extremely risky for you as a leader because we do not condone such behaviour. This time, the party is very serious, and there will be sanctions against leaders who engage in such acts,” he said.
The warning comes amid reports from parts of Kampala and Wakiso that some individuals are presenting themselves as NRM flag bearers despite lacking official endorsement, while others are allegedly supporting independent candidates after losing in the party primaries.
Todwong said all genuine NRM candidates had been officially endorsed by the party, with their details submitted to the Electoral Commission.
“We know our flag bearers because they have all been officially endorsed. We have their records and the lists submitted to the Electoral Commission. Anyone claiming to be an NRM flag bearer should be able to prove that,” he said.
He acknowledged that internal disagreements had led some party members to support rival candidates in certain areas but said the NRM would not tolerate actions that undermine party unity.
“We know there are a few places where, because of internal wrangles, some members are sponsoring other candidates. That is unacceptable because our focus is on ensuring our official flag bearers succeed,” Todwong said.
The Secretary General also revealed that some leaders implicated in the alleged activities had already been asked to step aside as investigations continue.
“Those already holding leadership positions have been written to, and some have since stepped aside because we do not want personal interests to interfere with the party’s objectives,” he added.
Todwong urged NRM supporters across the country to turn up in large numbers for the LC1 elections, describing the village-level polls as critical to the country’s governance and grassroots mobilisation.
“The LC1 is the foundation of both the party and government because it directly connects leadership with households. This election is critical in our efforts to fight household poverty and deepen grassroots mobilisation,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the NRM’s extensive mobilisation structures, ranging from the Central Executive Committee and regional teams to district leaders and Village Barazas, would deliver victory for the party’s candidates.
Todwong also hailed the NRM’s performance in the recently concluded Women’s Council elections, saying preliminary reports indicated that between 85 and 92 per cent of elected grassroots leaders belonged to the party.
He said the strong performance demonstrated the effectiveness of the NRM’s grassroots structures, which have remained active throughout the electoral cycle and are now focused on securing victory for the party’s official flag bearers in the LC1 elections.
