Uganda: NRM Aspirants Quit Tororo Primaries Over Rigging Claims

Several National Resistance Movement (NRM) aspirants from Tororo County North and South constituencies have withdrawn from the upcoming party primaries, citing widespread irregularities in the recently concluded internal structure elections.

Addressing a press conference over the weekend, the group accused NRM electoral officials of compromising the credibility of the process by favoring select candidates.

They said the alleged rigging in party structure polls was a preview of what to expect in the primaries, prompting them to bow out rather than "waste their resources on a rigged contest."

"We found that some candidates went through unopposed not because they were popular but because they bought off other contenders. Others hired voters to vote for them. Some didn't meet the requirements but still participated," said Emmanuel Onyango, who spoke on behalf of the group.

Onyango said their withdrawal is not out of fear but frustration, describing the primary process as manipulated by individuals with access to power and influence.

"We are not ready to squander our hard-earned resources again. Last time, we spent money only for a few individuals in corridors of power to decide who gets what. We have better use for our little resources," he said.

The aspirants are now appealing to NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Tanga Odoi to take urgent action, accusing some district-level officials of openly violating party rules and frustrating credible leadership from emerging.

"Unless Tanga is telling us he is just a barking dog without teeth, we believe he still has powers to enforce discipline within the party. His contract was renewed, meaning he still has a mandate. We can't sit back and watch as party structures are destroyed," Onyango added.

Their withdrawal comes amid growing tension within the NRM in Tororo County, with some members threatening to mobilize against the party if their concerns are not addressed.

Analysts warn that internal divisions, if left unresolved, could undermine the party's performance in the 2026 general elections.

The group is calling for a full review of the party's internal electoral framework and for enforcement of impartiality in its structures.

They caution that continued irregularities will erode public trust and fuel apathy among the grassroots base.

Read the original article on Nile Post.