NRM rakes in Shs7b from nomination fees
Vice President Jessica Alupo hands in her nomination forms to NRM electoral commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi at the party headquarters in Kampala on June 13, 2025. PHOTO/COURTESY OF NRM
What you need to know:
According to the party’s Electoral Commission chairperson, 2,718 aspirants expressed interest in contesting for various positions
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) could have collected as much as high as Shs6.9 billion from nomination and expression of interest fees as it gears up for internal party elections ahead of the 2026 General Election. According to the party’s Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr Tanga Odoi, 2,718 aspirants expressed interest in contesting for various positions, including Members of Parliament (MPs), District Chairpersons (LC5), City and Lord Mayors. The nine-day exercise for submission of interest and collection of nomination forms closed last week, with the nomination process now underway and scheduled to end on June 30.
Dr Odoi disclosed that the party officially recorded Shs5.5 billion in collections but acknowledged the figure could be higher when all bank confirmations are reconciled. However, a breakdown of the figures by this publication suggests the NRM could have raised up to Shs6.9 billion. This includes about Shs4.7 billion from 1,579 constituency MP aspirants, Shs1.7 billion from 586 District Woman MP hopefuls, and Shs553 million from 553 contestants for LC5, City, and Lord Mayor slots.
Fees
Nomination fees were set at Shs3 million for MP aspirants, Shs1.5 million for Lord Mayors, and Shs1 million for City Mayors and LC5 Chairpersons. Candidates were required to present proof of payment before receiving nomination forms. Despite the windfall, Dr. Odoi emphasised that the funds would not be sufficient to cover the extensive logistical and administrative needs of the party’s electoral process.
“We need more than Shs6 billion. The NRM Electoral Commission has to print voter identification slips for millions of party members, facilitate our staff at village, parish, and district levels, and manage upcoming nominations for LC3 and LC5 councillors, among others,” he said. Dr Odoi added that part of the money would also go towards supporting official party flag bearers in their campaigns. “In the last election, Women MPs received Shs60 million each from the party, while Constituency MPs got Shs40 million. We intend to do the same, and this is why we charge a non-refundable nomination fee,” he noted.
Rising aspirant numbers
Dr Odoi revealed that the number of aspirants had risen significantly from 1,519 in 2021 to 2,718 in the current cycle, indicating increased political interest within the party ranks. However, only 676 candidates are expected to secure the NRM flag for the 2026 general election. The 11th Parliament currently consists of 519 MPs, including 353 directly elected Constituency MPs, 146 District Woman MPs, and 20 representatives from Special Interest Groups. Similarly, there are 146 LC5 chairpersons across Uganda’s districts, 10 City Mayors, and one Lord Mayor for Kampala. Nomination Guidelines The nomination of candidates for MP, LC5 Chairperson, City Mayor, and Lord Mayor positions is being conducted at the NRM party headquarters in Kampala.
Meanwhile, nominations for municipal and division mayors, district and city councillors, and special interest group representatives are being handled at respective NRM district offices. Candidates are allowed to appear with only two supporters—a nominator and a seconder—and must obtain a token number at the gate before proceeding through the four-step nomination process. Dr Odoi outlined that special consideration would be given to ministers, the Deputy Speaker, persons with disabilities, the elderly, the sick, and expectant or lactating mothers.
“The process is entirely free after payment of the nomination fee. What we’re doing is confirming that the submitted bank slips match the bank’s records. Beyond that, the process is open, transparent, and orderly,” he said. With this large inflow of funds and growing interest in the party primaries, the NRM appears poised for a vigorous internal election season ahead of 2026.
Background
Nomination Fees
MP aspirants: Shs3 million
District Woman MP: Shs3 million
Lord Mayor: Shs1.5 million
City Mayor & LC5 Chairperson: Shs1 million
Total Aspirants
2,718 candidates expressed interest.
Only 676 will secure the NRM party flag
