Pallisa, Uganda: NRM-leaning independent candidates in Pallisa District have praised President Yoweri Museveni for clarifying the position of independents within the party, saying his latest remarks have restored confidence and unity among cadres ahead of the 2026 elections.
The President, while addressing journalists at Mbale State Lodge last week, said the NRM’s disagreements with independents are political rather than legal, urging them only to withdraw where their presence may hand victory to opposition candidates. He dismissed claims that independents are a threat to party cohesion.
Reacting to Museveni’s remarks, Pallisa County independent aspirant Julius Okurut Arecho, who is contesting against NRM flag bearer Ibrahim Aisu, said the NRM National Chairman’s comments “finally settled the hostility” they have faced from some flag bearers.
Okurut accused several NRM flag bearers in Pallisa of isolating independents and treating them as enemies. “They became untouchable and refused to allow us to attend party meetings, accusing us of opposing the party,” he said.
He added that withdrawing would hand opposition parties, DP, NUP, FDC an easy win. “My candidature protects NRM support from collapsing,” he argued.
Relatedly, Agule County independent aspirant Herbert Okello (Aica) said no one will stop him from mobilising for President Museveni. “Even at the President’s rally in Kameke, independents did more mobilisation than the flag bearers. We provided transport for our people, while flag bearers complained of facilitation,” Okello said.
He made the remarks while launching his campaign at Akisim Primary School, where PLU national leaders were training youth and single mothers in liquid soap production. He also opened his tactical office in Akisim Trading Centre to coordinate Museveni’s mobilisation.
Artists, Advisors Praise Independent Candidates’ Mobilisation
Local musician Bosco Opolot applauded Okello for supporting Pallisa artists. “He sent us one million shillings to strengthen our association. That’s leadership,” he said.
Political advisor Godwin Ochom criticised NRM flag bearers who are “uneasy” with independents despite having contested as independents themselves in 2021. “The behaviour of some flag bearers doesn’t reflect cadreship; they act as if they own the party,” Ochom noted.
But Gogonyo County independent candidate Issa Bantalib Taligola (Ochuuma) decried what he described as constant abuse from the incumbent MP, Orone Derrick, although he maintained that he will not derail his mobilisation.
“Responding would only confuse the voters. Internal competition brought Museveni a huge crowd in Kameke because every leader mobilised,” he said.
What Voters say
Businessman Sam Okata warned that some flag bearers may abandon NRM if they lose the elections.
“Winners must be taken for ideological retreats to understand party values,” he said.
Resident Rose Gulu said independents are more responsive to voters’ needs. “We went to Kameke with party transport but were abandoned. When we called Okurut’s coordinator, two trucks were sent immediately to pick us up,” she recalled.
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