ONC Backed candidates secured 1.3 million positions in the NRM’s grassroots elections

The Office of the National Chairman (ONC) of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has deployed 10-member voter protection teams across Uganda’s 70,000 villages ahead of the party’s internal elections and the 2026 general polls.

ONC say the teams will play a critical role in safeguarding the party’s electoral processes.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, ONC National Coordinator Hadijah Namyalo stressed the teams’ importance in defending NRM’s achievements and countering threats from opposition forces, both within and outside the party.

“These teams will defend the Movement’s gains and confront any threats—including from the opposition,” she declared. “We are ready for battle in 2026.”

Namyalo accused some NRM electoral officers and security operatives, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), of colluding to sideline ONC-backed candidates.

“We know their tricks. We’re watching, and we’re prepared,” she warned.

According to Namyalo, ONC-supported candidates have secured 1.3 million out of 2.1 million positions in the NRM’s village-level elections. These candidates will influence delegate selection for the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).

“We didn’t just participate—we dominated,” she asserted. “This is the storm you created on the ground.”

The ONC also claimed success in parish elections, winning 153,200 out of 321,900 positions. At the sub-county and municipality level, its candidates secured 28,981 out of 65,730 seats—including 1,680 out of 2,191 sub-county chairperson roles.

Namyalo dismissed rumors that ONC delegates would be barred from the NRM’s National Conference.

“You can block Namyalo, but you won’t block my delegates. They are already in the system—they are the voters,” she said.

The NRM will conduct district and municipal elections next week to finalize its 2026 flag bearers. Analysts say the party’s internal dynamics will significantly influence Uganda’s political future.