Africa-Press – Uganda. As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries draw closer, voters are being urged to take a critical look at campaign promises, many of which are being dismissed as unrealistic and deliberately misleading.
Political analysts and members of the public have expressed concern over a growing trend of candidates making grandiose pledges—some of which are far outside the scope of their legal authority or office.
“Some candidates are promising the moon, but voters need to understand what these candidates can realistically deliver,” said Joshua Okot, a political analyst.
“A district councilor can’t work on a national road, and an MP can’t procure an airplane for their constituency. These promises are nothing but vote-buying tactics.”
Across the country, reports have emerged of district councilor aspirants pledging to fix national highways, while parliamentary hopefuls talk of constructing airports and establishing national factories in their localities.
Critics say these tactics are not only deceptive but create false hope among voters.
Tulilaba Anthony, a concerned voter, echoed the sentiment.
“We need to be careful not to fall for empty promises. We should scrutinize the candidates’ manifestos and ensure they align with the realities of their roles.”
When politicians promise more than they can legally or financially deliver, the result is often widespread disappointment and disillusionment.
“Voters should demand feasible solutions and hold candidates accountable for their promises,” said Joy Mwesigwa, another voter.
“We’ve seen it before—people get into office and then claim they were misunderstood or blocked from implementing what they promised.”
With the July primaries fast approaching, observers warn that unchecked promises risk distorting the election process and undermining public trust in local governance.
“Understanding the mandate of each position is critical,” Okot emphasized. “Voters must not be swayed by spectacle, but by substance.”
The call to vigilance comes amid growing political competition within the ruling party, as candidates pull out all stops to secure victory.
But analysts say informed voting—rooted in realism and accountability—is the only way to ensure effective representation after the primaries.
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