Africa-Press – Uganda. A group of National Resistance Movement (NRM) aspirants in Tororo District has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the party’s decision to halt joint campaign activities, citing fears that the fragmented approach will disadvantage both candidates and voters.
The candidates, who are contesting various positions in the forthcoming July 17 primaries, argue that joint campaigns are critical for fostering transparency, enabling voters to make informed decisions, and levelling the playing field among contenders.
Without them, they say, the party risks endorsing weak flag bearers who may struggle to take on opposition rivals in the 2026 polls.
Since the start of the NRM’s primary campaign period, hopefuls in Tororo have been forced to conduct individual campaigns—an arrangement many say favours those with financial muscle.
Wealthier aspirants have staged high-profile rallies, while others rely on modest door-to-door strategies.
NRM district election officer Joseph Kadokech attributed the suspension of joint campaigns to a lack of funds, particularly for hiring public address systems.
“In Tororo, hiring a public address system is about Shs400,000,” Kadokech said.
“I have six constituencies. That’s Shs2.4 million per day. Multiplied by the number of campaign days, it’s simply unaffordable.”
But the explanation has not pacified the affected candidates.
Deogracous Emojong, one of the aspirants, lamented the lost opportunity for voters to directly compare candidates’ policies and track records.
“I feel this denies people the opportunity to interface with all leaders and ask them about their agenda. Voters deserve to make informed decisions,” he said.
Phoebe Otaala, another parliamentary hopeful, argued that joint engagements enhance transparency and help communities vet the suitability of each contender.
“Joint campaigns would help communities assess and verify the competence of each parliamentary aspirant. They would also help test political accountability,” Otaala said.
Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, who is seeking re-election as MP for West Budama Central, warned that the current setup could encourage disunity and fuel disinformation.
“This may create rifts, as everyone will now talk about everyone else, raising non-issues and turning them into issues. Joint campaigns would bring clarity and purpose,” he said.
With barely a week left before the primaries, the candidates are now calling on the NRM leadership to extend the campaign period and reinstate joint rallies to ensure equal access and strengthen the party’s electoral readiness.
Whether the party’s Electoral Commission will heed these concerns remains uncertain—but within Tororo, pressure is mounting as time runs out.
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