The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Vice Chairperson, Alhaji Moses Kigongo, has called on all NRM-leaning independent candidates in Iganga District to step down from the 2026 elections and support officially endorsed party flagbearers in a bid to consolidate the party's strength and secure a sweeping victory in the Busoga subregion.
Speaking during a harmonization meeting held at Bishop Willis Teachers College in Iganga -- attended by NRM flagbearers and unsuccessful aspirants from the party primaries -- Kigongo acknowledged that the recent NRM primaries were marred by irregularities but urged members to put differences aside for the greater good of the party.
"I know there were irregularities in some primaries. I hear in some instances someone would get 30 votes, and they would make it 130. But we need to look to the future. When you stand as independents, you destroy your own party and perhaps Uganda at large. Let's learn to forgive and forget," Kigongo said.
He emphasized that the NRM Constitution does not recognize independent candidates, adding that only officially endorsed flagbearers will receive full party backing.
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Kigongo also delivered a message from President Museveni, urging members to rally behind NRM flagbearers at all levels and to vigorously campaign for the President's re-election.
"The President sent me to tell you that he wants only party flagbearers to win this time round. I encourage you to canvass for the NRM presidential candidate's votes to ensure a massive victory in Busoga," Kigongo said.
While his appeal drew applause from some attendees, it also met stiff resistance from several independent aspirants who claimed that the NRM primaries were compromised and produced unpopular candidates.
Hajj Ismail Badogi, the NRM District Treasurer for Iganga and an aspiring MP for Kigulu North, expressed reservations, saying some independents are better positioned to mobilize for President Museveni than the official flagbearers.
"We need strong independents on the ground because some flagbearers can't even mobilize for President Museveni. Some are even afraid to mention the President's name in communities," Badogi said.
Similarly, Rtd Col. Moses Buwaso, an aspirant for MP Iganga Municipality, criticized the primaries, alleging manipulation that favored weak candidates.
"Some flagbearers are very weak; they rigged their way through. It would be disastrous to leave them to be defeated by the opposition," he said.
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Abdallah Kyamutwe, contesting as an independent candidate for District Councillor, said it was too late for independents to withdraw, noting that nominations had already been concluded and personal resources invested.
"It is already too late for us to step down. We have been nominated and spent our resources. Stepping down now is not practical," he said.
Despite the resistance, Kigongo reiterated the importance of unity within party ranks as the 2026 general elections draw near. He appealed to aggrieved members to resolve disputes internally rather than competing against their own party.
"We are all members of the same family. Let's resolve our differences internally and move forward as one NRM," he emphasized.
The harmonization meeting is part of a broader campaign by the NRM Secretariat to consolidate support in Busoga and other subregions, ensuring that both parliamentary and local government seats are won by officially endorsed candidates.
As the 2026 polls approach, Kigongo's message underscores growing concern within the ruling party over internal divisions that could weaken its dominance, particularly in areas where independents command significant grassroots support.
