NRM collects Shs 6.9 billion in nomination fees
CAPTION: Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM. (Daily Monitor cartoon).
By Our reporter
KAMPALA – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has kicked off its nomination process for candidates seeking the party flag in the 2026 General Elections, with over shs6 billion already collected in nomination fees.
The process officially began following the successful conclusion of the expression of interest and form collection phase, which drew 2,718 aspirants. These include candidates vying for positions such as Members of Parliament (MPs), LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, and lord mayors.
Speaking at a press briefing on June 16, 2025, at the NRM Secretariat on Plot 10, Kyadondo Road, Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, announced that the party has so far confirmed at least Shs5.5 billion in collected nomination fees, with the figure expected to rise to Shs6.9 billion once all payments are verified.
“Nomination fees are Shs3 million for parliamentary aspirants, Shs 1.5 million for Lord Mayors, and Shs1 million for LC5 and City Mayors,” Dr. Odoi stated.
Among those who have submitted their nomination forms are Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, seeking re-election as MP for Ruhinda North in Mitooma District; Phiona Nyamutoro, State Minister for Energy and National Youth MP; and Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Internal Affairs, defending his Ruhinda County seat.
Also nominated is Second Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali, who is aiming to retain his long-held parliamentary seat.
In Rukungiri District, political tensions are rising as Frank Arinaitwe Rukanirwa challenges veteran Security Minister Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi in Rujumbura Constituency. Rukanirwa stated he believes it’s time for new leadership, saying the current MP “has been given enough chances.”
In Sironko District, Asha Nabulo Lumoro, daughter of NRM District Chairperson Alhaj Suleiman Lumolo, has been nominated for the Woman MP seat. Nabulo previously defeated Minister Florence Nambozo in the 2020 NRM primaries but lost in the general election when Nambozo ran as an independent.
According to Dr. Odoi, hundreds of aspirants are currently returning their nomination forms at the NRM Electoral Commission offices in Nakasero, Kampala. Those who complete the process will proceed to the NRM primaries, where official party flag bearers will be selected.
The nomination exercise is set to continue until June 30, 2025, ahead of internal party elections scheduled for next month.
