Africa-Press – Uganda. A surge of activity has gripped the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, where thousands of aspirants are streaming in to pick nomination forms ahead of the party’s internal primaries.
Tanga Odoi, chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, confirmed that more than 2,000 aspirants have already picked forms for parliamentary and district chairperson positions nationwide.
“We are seeing overwhelming interest,” Odoi said. “And we expect even more to turn up tomorrow and in the coming days.”
But the growing political excitement has also spurred commercial activity. Outside the EC offices, a temporary marketplace has sprung up, with vendors—mostly youth—capitalizing on the foot traffic and campaign fever.
Branded NRM merchandise, including shirts, dresses, headscarves, and African prints, is selling briskly.
Ndagire Nahya, a Senior Six vacist, said she is using the opportunity to raise capital for a poultry business before joining university later this year.
“I’ve made good sales already,” she said. “By the time nominations end, I’ll have enough capital to start my poultry project.”
Kagayi David, who sells customized NRM wear, said the nomination season brings in a welcome financial boost.
“This is our election harvest,” Kagayi remarked with a grin. “Every aspirant wants to look the part before picking forms.”
The energy at the EC headquarters is electric, with both seasoned politicians and first-time contenders brimming with confidence.
While incumbents seek to retain their positions, new aspirants are pitching themselves as the fresh leadership their communities need.
“I’m confident I will win,” said one first-time aspirant. “My community needs new ideas, and I’m here to deliver.”
Among the notable politicians who picked nomination forms on Monday were Minister Hellen Adoa and Hon. Beatrice Akello Akori, joining a growing list of high-profile contenders ready to battle it out in the primaries.
The NRM nomination exercise is proving to be more than just a bureaucratic process—it has become a vibrant mix of political ambition and economic opportunity, showcasing the high stakes and broader impact of Uganda’s election season.
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