Several aspiring Members of Parliament thronged the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission offices at Kyadondo, Kampala, on Monday as the party officially launched the expression of interest process ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Among the prominent figures who picked up nomination forms were Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello, former Minister for the Presidency Esther Mbaayo, Workers’ MP Arinaitwe Rwakajara, and senior NRM member Lydia Wanyoto Mutende.
The exercise, which began on Monday, June 2, will run until June 15, 2025, at the NRM Electoral Commission offices.
Speaking after collecting her nomination forms, Speaker Anita Among praised the NRM for its commitment to transparency and democratic values. “The NRM has been and will always be a democratic party,” she stated.
When asked whether she would consider running as an independent if she lost in the primaries, she dismissed the idea, saying, “I am a tested leader. I cannot fail to go through the party primaries.”
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who picked up forms to contest for Ruhinda North Constituency, said his leadership approach is rooted in community engagement and advocacy.
“Leadership means going down to the communities, listening to the people, and bringing their voices to national and global platforms,” he said.
Tayebwa also commended NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi for ensuring a smooth process and pledged to adhere to party electoral guidelines.
In Mubende District, Didan Mubangizi picked up nomination forms to contest for the Buwekula South Constituency seat. He pledged to address key challenges in the area, including limited access to clean water and inadequate health services.
Brig. Emmanuel Rwashande also joined the race, seeking to end Theodore Ssekikubo’s 24-year tenure as MP for Lwemiyaga County.
In Kabale District, Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha declared his intention to contest for the Kabale Municipality seat, while in Kisoro District, Abel Bizimana picked up forms to contest for the Bufumbira East Constituency seat. Grace Ngabirano Akifeza also expressed interest in the Kisoro District Woman MP seat, currently held by Rose Kabageni.
NRM Secretary-General Richard Todwong expressed enthusiasm about the high level of interest from party members, describing it as a sign of a healthy democratic culture within the party.
“This is the true spirit of internal democracy at work, open, inclusive, and driven by the will of the people,” he said.
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