The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has submitted more than 2.2 million signatures to the Electoral Commission endorsing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the party’s flag bearer in the 2026 general elections.
Speaking during the handover, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong said the signatures far exceed the minimum legal requirement of 100 signatures from at least 80 districts.
“We are taking more than two million signatures to the National Electoral Commission in fulfilment of one of the requirements for our chairman and flagbearer to be nominated. The more than two million signatures are already confirmed votes for the NRM party,” Todwong said, noting that all names were drawn from the national voters’ register.
Todwong linked the signatures to Museveni’s recent endorsement as the sole candidate by all NRM party structures during the Delegates Conference, emphasizing that the support reflects confidence in the party’s record and future.
“We have been transforming Uganda for all these years, and we are continuing with our programs. After nominations, we shall have a launch for our manifesto, and you will hear all the promises for the new term,” he said.
Recalling past elections, Todwong highlighted Museveni’s performance, noting that he received 68.4% of the vote in 2016 and 60.7% in 2021, and predicted an even stronger showing in 2026.
“In this election, our performance will be much better compared to previous elections, where the results varied between 70% and 65%,” he said.
NRM Vice Chairperson for Kampala Region, Hon. Salim Uhuru, urged party leaders to publicize NRM achievements, stressing that the party enjoys strong support in Kampala.
“The NRM will overwhelmingly win the general elections because of the support it enjoys among Ugandans, particularly in Kampala. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure a massive victory at all levels,” he said.
Nekesa Hails NRM Mobilization Skills
NRM National Treasurer Amb. Barbara Nekesa praised the broad mobilization that delivered the signatures.
“Our NRM supporters are gathered here today to escort the nomination signatures for our candidate, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. We have collected a total of 2.2 million signatures, over and above the required number mandated by law,” she said.
She added that support extended beyond NRM members.
“We have members of NRM as well as members from other political parties under IPOD. Our candidate has been seconded even by those outside the NRM party. The signatures collected reflect a national character,” Nekesa said.
She also emphasized grassroots involvement.
“The signatures have been collected from the lowest party structures, starting at the village branch level, even from districts 800 kilometers away from Kampala. We are presenting the voice of the people,” she said.
Concluding, Nekesa stressed the importance of public ownership of the process:
“Delivering him cannot only be the role of the NRM secretariat. We need to involve the people, beginning with seconding the candidature of the president. We want our NRM members and the public to own the candidature of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.”
The ruling party will present its presidential flagbearer, President Museveni, to the Independent Electoral Commission for nomination on 23rd September 2025.
NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi, Deputy National Treasurer Hon. Jacqueline Kyatuheire, Hon. Rosemary Seninde, Director for Mobilisation, Hajjat Medina Naham Ojale, Director for Finance and Administration, and other senior party leaders accompanied the Secretary General.
