President Yoweri Museveni has cautioned ruling party members who lost in the recent National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries against contesting as independents in the forthcoming 2026 General Election.
Speaking during a meeting with NRM Members of Parliament and Independent MPs who have signed a memorandum of understanding with the party, held at State Lodge Arua on Tuesday, Museveni urged unity and discipline within the NRM ranks.
“Where there are NRM and opposition candidates, I advise you not to stand as independents because if things go wrong, you will be to blame,” the President said. “Even where there are only NRM candidates in the race, I still prefer that you use the law rather than confuse our people.”
His remarks come days after reports emerged that 126 NRM MPs who lost in the primaries were allegedly encouraged to contest as independents. However, Museveni clarified that as party chairman, he does not endorse such moves.
Some MPs who lost the primaries claimed the internal elections were marred by irregularities and result tampering. Museveni acknowledged these concerns, saying some candidates had been provoked by “selfish individuals,” but emphasized restraint and adherence to legal processes.
“If you are angry and choose to stand as an independent while your competitor is also strong, how will you handle the loss after the vote has been divided and victory handed to the opposition?” he asked.
The President urged aggrieved aspirants to seek justice through legal redress rather than running as independents.