The National Resistance Movement (NRM) LC1 primaries held across Uganda on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, were plagued by widespread irregularities, logistical breakdowns, and allegations of political interference, which triggered voter frustration and cast a shadow over the integrity of the process.

The elections, a key milestone in the NRM’s 2025–2026 electoral roadmap, were overshadowed by protests, vote-rigging allegations, and outbreaks of violence, raising serious concerns about the ruling party’s internal democracy.

While electoral officials insisted that only duly registered members were eligible to vote or contest, frustrated residents accused local NRM MPs of tampering with voter registers to advance their preferred candidates.

One of the most serious incidents occurred in Busongora County North, where Moris Kitenge, the NRM Registrar for Ibanda–Kyanya Town Council, was arrested over the disappearance of 15 official registers. Police suspect he tampered with electoral documents. Rwenzori East Police spokesperson SP Nelson Tumushime confirmed the development, saying, “It is alleged that the registrar tampered with the register book, which led to the disappearance of the documents.” Kitenge remains in custody as investigations continue.

In Kabale Municipality’s Rushambya Cell, residents protested the omission of Salim Owoyesigyire, their acting chairperson, from the register, while in Kololo Village (Mutukula), observer Godwin Bushanda accused MPs of enabling National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters to vote in the NRM primaries.

In Soroti East, low turnout and unopposed candidates highlighted voter laziness in some areas, while others saw disruptions from unregistered youths attempting to vote like in Moru Apesur Cell D, elections began smoothly but descended into chaos during youth representative voting however Electoral officer Shaban Ali credited strong community mobilization for the eventual calm.

Additionally, violent clashes broke out in Lwengo District between rival factions, injuring several and prompting the deployment of anti-riot police.

A consistent issue across nearly all polling stations was the widespread absence of names from the voter register, leaving many voters, including candidates, powerless, excluded and disappointed.

“I feel very frustrated after finding my name missing,” said Reagan Nuwagaba, a candidate in Buhimba, Hoima.

Despite the challenges, some districts, such as Hoima and Kikuube, held peaceful, well-organized primaries with strong turnout, which officials attributed to local leadership and effective mobilization.

In the sub-counties of Kitoba (Hoima) and Buhimba (Kikuube), voters queued under the scorching sun to cast their ballots in what many viewed as a testament to NRM’s grassroots resilience. Kikuube RDC Amlan Tumusiime, also an aspiring MP for Bugahya Constituency in Hoima, chose not to vote, citing neutrality, but praised the turnout.

“I chose not to vote because all the candidates are my supporters, and I wanted to remain neutral,” said RDC Tumusiime. “Nonetheless, I’m very pleased with the impressive voter turnout.”

In Katakwi, Vice President Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo was re-elected chairperson of the Veterans League for Oigo Imomwa Village, underscoring strong local support.

In Moroto, Modan Lomilo, who previously received a motorbike from President Museveni, won all 267 valid votes in a landslide at Naitakwai Football Pitch; his opponents failed to garner a single vote.

NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi urged the aggrieved candidates to file complaints through official channels, promising investigations.

“We are committed to transparency. MPs who interfered in the election process will face disciplinary action,” he stated.

The last LC1 elections were held in July 2018. This year’s primaries, conducted between 12 PM and 2 PM, were meant to select party flag bearers for grassroots leadership positions, vital components of the NRM’s mobilization strategy ahead of the 2026 general elections. Parliamentary primaries are slated for July 16, 2025.

While a few isolated areas reflected signs of party strength and organizational capacity, the overall picture was one of administrative disarray, procedural inconsistencies, and growing public distrust casting a long shadow over the NRM’s electoral preparedness and its commitment to internal democracy.