200 NRM MPs to Contest as Independents After 20 Withdraw
By Sam Ibanda Mugabi | Tuesday, October 14, 2025
200 NRM MPs to Contest as Independents After 20 Withdraw
Anthony Esenu, chairperson of the NRM Independent Legislators Forum, said the President supported their decision to run as independents in areas where opposition is weak.
Over 200 National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament who lost in the recent party primaries say they have been given the green light by President Museveni to contest as independent candidates in the 2026 general elections.
The MPs, who met the President in Arua, said he expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the party primaries, citing allegations of fabrication and irregularities in the process.
The Nile Post could not independently verify the claims and has contacted the presidency but Mr Museveni, who is also the NRM chairman, has always spoken out against independents from within his party.
His deputy in the party, Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo, on Monday spoken out against the same, urging those in Iganga to give up the idea for the sake of party unity.
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200 NRM MPs to Contest as Independents After 20 Withdraw
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However, Anthony Esenu, chairperson of the NRM Independent Legislators Forum, said the President supported their decision to run as independents in areas where opposition is weak.
In constituencies with stronger opposition, they were advised to reconcile with the party’s flagbearers.
“The President expressed his displeasure with the way the primaries were conducted, and we were given the nod to contest as independents,” Esenu said.
Despite going independent, the MPs affirmed their commitment to backing President Museveni’s re-election bid.
“We have resolved to support the President to retain his presidential seat for the continuity and protection of Uganda’s gains,” Esenu added.
In a surprise development, 20 MPs who lost in the primaries have withdrawn from the race, including Maurice Kibalya (Bugabula South), Rosemary Nyakikongoro (Sheema), and Geoffrey Macho (Busia Municipality).
This leaves over 190 MPs determined to contest as independents.
The move by NRM rebels could reshape the party’s fortunes in the 2026 elections. With several strong candidates opting to run independently, maintaining party unity and discipline will be critical for the NRM to retain its parliamentary majority.
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