NRM-leaning independent Members of Parliament who lost in the recent party primaries have announced that President Yoweri Museveni has given them the green light to run as independents in the 2026 general elections, provided they coordinate with official flag bearers in constituencies where the opposition is strong.
This was revealed by Hon. Anthony Esenu, chairperson of the group of NRM independents, while addressing the media on Monday, 13th October 2025, following a meeting with President Museveni in Arua.
“The President invited us as NRM independents who intend to contest again, and he has given us the go-ahead,” Esenu said. “However, he has guided that in constituencies with strong opposition candidates, independents must harmonise with the flag bearer so that only one of us stands.”
He added that where there is little or no opposition threat, the President will allow the independents and flag bearers to sort it out among themselves, confident that “whoever wins will remain NRM at heart.”
Mbarara District Woman MP, Hon. Ayebare Margaret Rwebyambu, clarified that their decision to run as independents is not an act of rebellion, but a protest against what they termed irregularities in the NRM primaries.
“We are not leaving the party or fighting it,” she said. “We are only disputing the unfair outcomes of the primaries. People should understand that we remain loyal to NRM, and we thank His Excellency for treating us as his own children.”
The development comes just a day after President Museveni met NRM MPs and leaning independents from the 11th Parliament at State Lodge Arua on Sunday, 12th October 2025, urging those who lost in the primaries to remain disciplined and economically grounded.
“Build yourselves economically and do not overcommit financially because of politics,” Museveni advised. “Make calculated contributions and no more. That is how you achieve stable leadership.”
He illustrated his caution with a personal anecdote: “If I make a profit of 400 million, I can put 10 percent, 40 million, into politics. That is enough. You cannot sell your assets or heritage for politics,” he said, joking that his ancestral cows are “not for sale, even for gold.”
While he advised against standing as independents on grounds of party cohesion, Tuesday’s revelations suggest that Museveni is willing to accommodate some flexibility—so long as unity against opposition remains the priority.
The meeting was aimed at harmonizing relations within the ruling party ahead of the 2026 elections, reinforcing discipline, loyalty, and strategic coordination among all NRM-leaning contenders.
The Source Reports.
We come to you.
Want to send us a story or have an opinion to share? Send an email to [email protected] or WhatsApp on +256742996036.
