NRM clarifies on party registration exercise, ‘even those without IDs to be registered’

Kampala, (UG):- The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong Sunday clarified anomalies in the ongoing register update exercise and directed that all NRM members be registered without discrimination.

SG Todwong was responding to complaints that certain individuals are refusing to register other party members in our books for reasons that range from not having National IDs (NINs), those who previously contested as independent against our flag bearers and those who are below 18 years of age.

Additionally, the SG also indicated that “some individuals with interest in contesting in the next election were forcefully blocking some registrations and removing the names of those they perceive to be supporters of their opponents and that such individuals have taken full control of the exercise in some areas.”

Describing this as wrongful information misleading the village registrars, Mr Todwong, therefore, guided the teams on the ground to disregard the wrongful information, providing further criteria on who qualifies to be an NRM member.

“By copy of this letter, I guide that you inform the teams on the ground to prevail over such individuals spreading wrong information,” the SG said in a letter dated March 17, addressed to NRM District Chairpersons, District Registrars, Administrative Secretaries and Zonal ONC Coordinators.

Mr Twodong highlighted that anyone including those below 18, without NIN, or who contested independently are to be registered, emphasizing inclusivity and impartiality.

He further listed below the categories of eligible people to join the NRM party as;

• Every member of the Party is to register in our book without any challenges.
• All members even those who contested as independent in the past are free to register.
• Those without National IDs or those who lost them but are known residents of the village should be allowed to register.
• Registration is for people from 16 years and above.
• No leader must personalise this exercise. The registrar must register everyone who is a member of the Party and those willing to cross from other Parties to NRM provided they take an oath.

Mr Todwong affirmed the party’s commitment to President Museveni’s legacy and urged members to offer themselves for the party’s cause in future elections. He cautioned against subversive activities and emphasized loyalty to the party chairman.

The update and registration process, supervised by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi which concludes today, Sunday, March 17 (pending further extension) will be preceded by nationwide Barazas where the party registers will be displayed in all 72,000 villages for engagement and verification of the registered members.

The NRM mass registration drive continues to mobilize communities across Uganda, reinforcing the ruling party’s vision of sustainable progress and development under President Museveni’s leadership.