Uganda: A Bloody Run-Up to The 2026 Presidential Polls As Chaos And Kidnappings Mar NRM Party Primaries

By Okumu Livingstone Langol
GULU CITY – Wednesday, July 18, 2025

The recently concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) grassroots primary elections were marred by chaos, violence, and allegations of state interference, abductions, and vote rigging. Reports of kidnappings, vote tampering, and use of state machinery have raised serious concerns over the party’s internal democratic processes ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Abductions and Disputed Results

In Gulu City, the NRM primaries turned chaotic in Bardege-Layibi Division when Otim Bosmic, a popular candidate, was allegedly abducted under suspicious circumstances, with security forces declaring his rival, Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, the winner. Eyewitnesses claimed that police later fired teargas to disperse Bosmic’s supporters, deepening suspicions of state-sponsored manipulation.

In Kilak North, incumbent MP Hon. Anthony Akol is accused of smuggling over 1,000 pre-marked ballots from Palwong village in Pabbo Sub-County to rig against his rival, Kenneth Okot, a former LCIII Chairperson of Atiak Town Council. The dispute lasted for three days, delaying official results.

Similarly, in Sembabule District, Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo’s supporters were reportedly kidnapped on polling day, casting further doubt on the integrity of the process.

Violence and Intimidation

In Omoro District, Ben Acellam, an NRM aspirant, was shot and admitted to hospital, while in Kamuli, the husband of a woman MP aspirant was tragically killed in pre-election violence.

Betty Layika, an NRM aspirant for Omoro Woman MP, claimed that she was leading the vote count until results were altered in favor of incumbent MP Catherine Lamwaka. Layika accused Gen. Charles Otema Awany of interfering in the elections and alleged that large sums of money were distributed to sway the outcome.

“The people of Omoro voted heartily. I was leading and the declaration forms confirmed my victory. But the results were later altered. Gen. Otema and his family are frustrating voters, and now people are losing faith in the democratic process,” Layika stated.

Manipulation and Voter Suppression

Investigative journalist Willy Chowoo of the Northern Uganda Media Centre (NUMEC) criticized the party for sidelining youth and manipulating the system to benefit the elite.

“The NRM is no longer a platform for young people. Youth like Kenneth Okot, who mobilize using limited resources, are routinely denied their victories in favor of candidates backed by the ‘big shots’. It’s disheartening,” Chowoo lamented.

Supporters of Gen. Otema, however, dismissed the accusations, urging disgruntled candidates to file formal petitions if aggrieved.

“It’s God who appoints leaders. If you lost, accept it. Don’t blame Gen. Otema,” a supporter responded.

Irregularities in the Electoral Process

According to journalist Simon Wokorach, the manipulation of election results started at the tallying stage. Votes were collected from village levels and transmitted through parishes to sub-counties, a process he claims opened doors for rigging.

“Votes from polling stations like Ang-Gur were never tallied. The NRM is handling its internal elections like cattle raiders. This is a dangerous signal for the upcoming general elections,” he warned.

Other notable complaints included the use of UPDF vehicles, military personnel, and intimidation tactics across Gulu City and the Acholi Sub-region, raising questions about the party’s commitment to democratic principles.

Rebellion Within and Defiance of Party Directives

Internal dissent is also rising within the NRM. Minister of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, who lost in the Lira Woman MP primary, is reportedly defying the party’s directive that no losing aspirants should contest as independents in the 2026 elections.

In Pader District, chaos erupted when CD Oketta Ayot Luwila was declared the winner against incumbent MP Sarah Menya. The returning officer collapsed and was rushed to hospital after failing to explain discrepancies in the declaration forms and tally center results.

Legal Perspective and Party Crisis

Senior Counsel Walter Okidi, speaking on Radio Rupiny FM, emphasized that only voters have the mandate to elect candidates, not NRM party executives. He urged those aggrieved to seek redress through legal channels rather than accept manipulated results.

Justine Obol Simpleman, Democratic Party (DP) spokesperson for the Acholi Sub-region, condemned the entire process:

“If you can kidnap, beat, and shoot your own party members during internal elections, what will you do to the opposition? The NRM has failed to demonstrate the leadership capacity to govern this country.”

Allegations of Vote Buying and Financial Influence

Betty Layika accused Gen. Otema of dishing out large sums of money in various sub-counties of Omoro District to influence voters. She cited amounts such as UGX 100 million to Odek and Lalogi, UGX 48 million to Bobi, and UGX 40 million to several other areas.

“I am not fighting Lamwaka; it is Gen. Otema who is fighting me. Is he the God of Acholi?” Layika questioned, adding that even her campaign agent was assaulted during the elections.

Conclusion:
The violent and chaotic scenes that unfolded during the NRM primaries point to deep-rooted problems within the party’s electoral system. As the country heads into the 2026 general elections, the NRM faces growing public scrutiny over its internal governance, credibility, and respect for democratic norms. Unless urgent reforms are undertaken, these primaries could be a grim preview of what’s to come in Uganda’s national elections.