The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is estimated to have collected up to Shs6.9 billion from nomination and expression of interest fees as it prepares for its internal elections ahead of the 2026 General Election. According to the NRM Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, a total of 2,718 individuals expressed interest in various positions such as Members of Parliament (MPs), District Chairpersons (LC5), City Mayors, and the Lord Mayor role. The nine-day window for collecting nomination forms and submitting expressions of interest closed last week, with the nomination process currently ongoing until June 30.
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Dr. Odoi confirmed that the party officially recorded Shs5.5 billion, though he noted the final figure may be higher once all bank transactions are reconciled. Estimates by this publication suggest the party could have raised Shs6.9 billion, including around Shs4.7 billion from 1,579 MP aspirants, Shs1.7 billion from 586 District Woman MP hopefuls, and Shs553 million from 553 LC5, City Mayor, and Lord Mayor candidates.
Nomination Fees and Expenses
Aspirants were required to pay nomination fees of Shs3 million for MPs, Shs1.5 million for Lord Mayors, and Shs1 million for City Mayors and LC5 Chairpersons. Proof of payment was necessary before nomination forms were issued. Despite the impressive revenue, Dr. Odoi stressed that these funds would not cover all operational and logistical costs associated with the internal election process.
“We require over Shs6 billion. The NRM EC must print voter ID slips for millions of party members and facilitate staff across various levels, from villages to districts. We also have nominations for LC3 and LC5 councillors coming up,” Dr. Odoi said. He added that some funds would support official flag bearers in their campaigns, recalling that during the last election, women MPs received Shs60 million each and constituency MPs got Shs40 million from the party. The non-refundable nomination fees help fund such initiatives.
Surge in Aspirants
Dr. Odoi noted a sharp increase in the number of aspirants—from 1,519 in 2021 to 2,718 this year—demonstrating growing interest in NRM’s internal political contests. Nevertheless, only 676 candidates will be selected to represent the party in the 2026 general elections. The 11th Parliament comprises 519 MPs, including 353 directly elected MPs, 146 District Woman MPs, and 20 Special Interest Group representatives. Additionally, there are 146 LC5 chairpersons, 10 city mayors, and one lord mayor for Kampala.
Nomination Process
Nominations for MPs, LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, and the Lord Mayor are being conducted at the NRM headquarters in Kampala, while district and division-level nominations are handled at local NRM offices. Each aspirant is allowed only two supporters—a nominator and a seconder—and must secure a token at the gate before undergoing a four-step nomination process. Special consideration is being given to ministers, the Deputy Speaker, people with disabilities, the elderly, the sick, and expectant or nursing mothers.
“The entire process is free after the nomination fee is paid. We’re just verifying that bank slips are valid. Otherwise, the system is open, transparent, and well-organized,” Dr. Odoi emphasized.
With a strong influx of funds and surging participation, the NRM appears set for an active and competitive internal electoral season in the lead-up to 2026.
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