Africa-Press – Uganda. A group of former National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary flagbearers from across the country have raised a series of concerns over the recently concluded national elections, citing internal sabotage, inadequate funding, and alleged institutional interference, while calling for urgent reforms within the ruling party.
In a news briefing on April 20, 2026, under the NRM Flagbearers’ Forum, the group said it remained loyal to the party and its leadership but felt compelled to highlight challenges that they say undermined their electoral performance and, in some cases, the will of voters.
The legislators argued that their concerns were raised “not in defiance, but in the spirit of strengthening the party, safeguarding internal democracy, and ensuring fairness for all members.”
One of the key issues cited was what they described as internal sabotage within party structures, alleging that some members and local structures worked against official NRM flagbearers during the general election.
“In several constituencies, established party structures and influential members openly worked against duly elected NRM flagbearers,” the statement reads in part, adding that such actions “demoralized candidates and confused the electorate.”
The group also raised concerns over what they termed alleged external influence and possible compromise of institutions involved in the electoral process, including security agencies and the Electoral Commission, which they claim may have disadvantaged some candidates.
While acknowledging that the allegations vary by constituency, the flag bearers said their recurrence across the country raises questions that require attention to safeguard electoral integrity.
On campaign financing, the group argued that many NRM candidates were left at a disadvantage after exhausting personal resources during party primaries, with limited financial support during the general election.
“This effectively subjected NRM candidates to two highly demanding electoral contests without adequate support,” the statement noted.
They also criticised the limited institutional backing for candidates who have since gone to court to challenge election results, saying the party should provide legal and moral support to its official flag bearers.
Additionally, the group expressed dissatisfaction over their exclusion from the recent parliamentary retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, saying it disadvantaged them compared to opposition and independent legislators who were invited.
“It is particularly concerning that independent and opposition members were invited, while NRM flag bearers were left out,” the statement said.
The forum argued that the exclusion undermines ideological orientation and leadership development, especially for members whose election outcomes are still subject to court petitions.
In their conclusion, the flag bearers requested a formal meeting with the NRM National Chairman, President Museveni, to present their concerns directly and seek solutions aimed at strengthening internal democracy and party unity.
“We respectfully request an audience with the National Chairman… with the aim of finding constructive solutions that will strengthen party unity, enhance internal democracy, and better position the NRM for future electoral success,” they said.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to the party’s ideology, including patriotism, unity, democracy, and socio-economic transformation, saying their concerns were intended to improve, not weaken, the ruling party.
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