KAMPALA, UGANDA — A group of young National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders has issued a direct appeal to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, calling for urgent intervention in the upcoming NRM Youth League elections. The cadres argue that the current plan to hold the elections at the district level unfairly disadvantages less-resourced candidates and undermines transparency.
In an open letter signed by NRM cadre Kazibwe Jamil, the youth expressed concern that conducting elections across 151 districts would impose overwhelming logistical and financial demands on young aspirants. According to them, only well-connected and well-funded candidates would be able to compete effectively under this structure.
The letter also raises alarm over potential election malpractice. It claims that less-privileged candidates may struggle to appoint and supervise polling agents across the country, leaving room for manipulation. Furthermore, the authors express deep mistrust in the integrity of certain district registrars and accuse Dr. Tanga Odoi, the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, of using his influence to benefit his son, who is allegedly contesting in the election.
To address these concerns, the group has requested that the elections be held in a centralized location, with all youth delegates gathered in one place under President Museveni’s supervision. They argue that this setup would ensure greater transparency, equal access to voters, and eliminate the influence of allegedly compromised electoral officials.
The appeal ends with a plea to uphold fairness, transparency, and unity within the ruling party. The youth urge the President to take swift action to protect the democratic process within the NRM and give all candidates regardless of means an equal opportunity to serve.
As of now, there has been no official response from the NRM Secretariat regarding the concerns raised in the letter.