A contradiction has emerged over President Museveni’s advice to NRM MPs, he met in Arua, who lost in the party’s recent primaries.
While some MPs claimed the president had approved their plans to stand as independents in the 2026 elections, State House has clarified that he instead warned against such moves to prevent splitting the party’s vote.
The confusion stems from a meeting on October 13 at State Lodge Arua, where Museveni met with aggrieved NRM MPs and independent MPs who had signed a memorandum of understanding with the party.
These politicians had lost in the primaries, with many declaring intentions to run as independents and others choosing to step aside.
The meeting, attended by First Lady Janet Museveni, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, ministers, and NRM Central Executive Committee members, focused on their grievances about alleged cheating in the primaries.
In his remarks according to State House, Museveni strongly advised against standing as independents, especially in races involving opposition candidates. ”
Where there are NRM and opposition candidates, I wouldn’t advise you to come as independent, because if you do and things go wrong, you will be the one to blame,” he said.
He warned that dividing the NRM vote could lead to opposition victories, asking rhetorically, “In this case if you are annoyed and stand as an independent, and then the other flagbearer is there, what if now you divide the vote and the opposition takes the constituency? How will you forgive yourself?”
State House says Museveni drew on past examples to underline his point, recalling how in the last elections, more than 21 seats in Buganda were lost because NRM votes were split between party flagbearers and independents.
“So this is where you need to be very careful. You should ask yourself should I be involved in the division of NRM? For me I wouldn’t do that,” he added. Even in constituencies dominated by NRM candidates, he preferred they resolve issues through legal channels rather than confusing voters.
The president acknowledged the MPs’ grievances such as result alterations by competitors, but urged a measured response. He recommended pursuing legal action if they had evidence of electoral offences, noting that “crime has no time limit” and those responsible could face prison.
Without proof, he suggested focusing on building committed local support networks instead of relying on “mercenaries.”
However, some MPs painted a different picture after the meeting. Anthony Esenu, chairperson of the NRM Independent Legislators Forum, told journalists at Parliament yesterday that over 120 defeated MPs had received Museveni’s “green light” to contest as independents, particularly in areas with weak opposition.
2026: NRM MPs who lost in primaries say Museveni okayed them to stand
He claimed the president expressed dissatisfaction with primary irregularities and advised reconciliation only in opposition-strong constituencies, while affirming their support for Museveni’s re-election. Others, like Mbarara Woman MP Ayebare Margaret Rwebyambu, insisted their independent bids were protests against manipulated results, not against the NRM itself.
These contradictions highlight tensions within the NRM as it prepares for the 2026 polls. Some political observers suggest Museveni benefits from such confusion. By allowing ambiguity, they say, he keeps party members guessing and dependent on his guidance, maintaining control over the NRM’s ranks.
This approach, critics argue, is part of a long-standing strategy where the president thrives on managed disorder to prevent any single faction from gaining too much power, ensuring loyalty and order through uncertainty.
