The race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) internal elections is gaining momentum, with a growing number of candidates vying for parliamentary seats and district leadership positions. So far, 1,303 aspirants have collected nomination forms since the exercise opened on Monday, June 2nd, signaling a robust contest ahead.

On the first day, 795 aspirants picked forms, and an additional 508 joined on the second day, showing widespread interest within the party. The NRM Electoral Commission (EC) remains optimistic about the party’s strength and resilience in the upcoming primaries.

“The party remains strong,” declared Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission. However, he expressed concern over infiltrators from outside the party attempting to compromise the process. To address this, the EC has introduced a new verification system to confirm genuine party membership.

Among the notable aspirants who have taken forms today is the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga, seeking to defend her seat as Woman MP for Mayuge District. Several current ministers are also in the race, including:

• Hon. Persis Namuganza, State Minister for Lands, in Namutumba;
• Hon. Henry Musasizi, State Minister for Finance, aiming for another term in Rubanda County East;
• Hon. Esther Anyakuni, State Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, for Nakapiripirit District;
• Hon. David Bahati, State Minister for Industry, in Ndorwa County West.

Other incumbents like Hon. Mary Begumisa (Sembabule) and Hon. Alex Niyonsaba (Bufumbira South) are also seeking to retain their seats.

Additionally, some former government officials are entering the race, including Monica Karungi, the ex-Ntoroko RDC, who has resigned to contest as Woman MP for Ntoroko. Amina Lukanga, former Kampala RCC, has also declared her interest in the Woman MP seat for Kampala.

The NRM Electoral Commission has announced that the nomination process will continue until June 15th, allowing more aspirants to join what is expected to be a competitive internal election. The party's internal democracy seems poised for an intense and vibrant contest in the run-up to national elections.