NWOYA — National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong has warned elected party leaders against supporting independent candidates in the forthcoming LC1 elections, saying the ruling party will take disciplinary action against officials who undermine its official flag bearers.
Speaking to journalists in Nwoya District on Saturday ahead of the July 28 LC1 elections, Todwong said the party had adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards indiscipline and would sanction leaders found mobilising support for candidates contesting against officially endorsed NRM flag bearers.
“As a party and as a system, we are focusing on supporting our flag bearers. We do not expect any leader to contest against a flag bearer or mobilise support against a flag bearer,” Todwong said.
“That would be extremely risky for you as a leader because we do not condone such behaviour. This time, the party is very serious, and there will be sanctions against leaders who engage in such acts.”
His remarks come amid reports from parts of Kampala and Wakiso that some individuals were presenting themselves as NRM flag bearers despite lacking official endorsement, while others were allegedly backing independent candidates after losing the party primaries.
Todwong said every genuine NRM candidate had been officially endorsed by the party and their records submitted to the Electoral Commission, making it easy to distinguish legitimate flag bearers from impostors.
“We know our flag bearers because they have all been officially endorsed. We have their records and the lists submitted to the Electoral Commission. Anyone claiming to be an NRM flag bearer should be able to prove that,” he said.
The Secretary General acknowledged that internal disagreements had prompted a few party members to sponsor rival candidates in some areas but stressed that the NRM would not tolerate actions that weaken party unity.
“We know there are a few places where, because of internal wrangles, some members are sponsoring other candidates. That is unacceptable because our focus is on ensuring our official flag bearers succeed,” he said.
Todwong revealed that some leaders implicated in such activities had already been instructed to step aside as investigations continue.
“Those already holding leadership positions have been written to, and some have since stepped aside because we do not want personal interests to interfere with the party’s objectives,” he added.
The Secretary General urged NRM supporters across the country to turn up in large numbers for the LC1 elections, describing the village-level vote as one of the most important elections in the country’s governance structure.
“The LC1 is the foundation of both the party and government because it directly connects leadership with households. This election is critical in our efforts to fight household poverty and deepen grassroots mobilisation,” he said.
Todwong expressed confidence that the NRM’s extensive mobilisation network—from the Central Executive Committee to regional teams, district leaders and Village Barazas—would deliver victory for the party’s candidates.
He also praised the party’s performance in the recently concluded Women’s Council elections, saying preliminary reports indicated that between 85 and 92 percent of the elected grassroots leaders belonged to the NRM.
According to Todwong, the strong showing demonstrated the effectiveness of the party’s grassroots structures, which have remained active throughout the electoral cycle and are now focused on securing victory for NRM flag bearers in the LC1 elections.