The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has today launched its party primaries, marking the beginning of a tense and competitive season ahead of the 2026 general elections. Among the big names nominated are Uganda’s Vice President Jesca Alupo and Speaker of Parliament Annet Anite Among, whose participation has sparked national attention and political debate.
Vice President Jesca Alupo, who has held various high-ranking positions in government, including as Minister of Education and Sports, is seeking to retain her seat as the Katakwi District Woman MP. Her nomination signals not only her continued commitment to political service but also a strategic move to consolidate her influence in both her constituency and the wider political sphere. Alupo remains a respected figure within the NRM and her involvement is seen as a stabilizing force within the party.
Speaker Annet Anite Among, another political heavyweight, is also vying for re-election in Bukedea District. Known for her commanding leadership in Parliament and loyalty to the party, Among has built a strong political base in Eastern Uganda. Her nomination drew large crowds of supporters, though she is expected to face a competitive primary race as new political voices emerge within the NRM, many campaigning on platforms of reform and generational change.
The primaries have attracted numerous incumbent Members of Parliament, ministers, and fresh aspirants from across the country. The contests are expected to be highly competitive as the stakes are higher than ever. These internal elections not only determine who will carry the NRM flag into the 2026 elections, but also reveal shifting power dynamics within the party, particularly regarding youth engagement, regional balance, and ideological direction.
Security has been tightened in areas hosting hotly contested races, with the NRM Electoral Commission promising a transparent and orderly process. Dr. Tanga Odoi, the chairperson of the commission, urged candidates to uphold party discipline and warned against electoral malpractice such as voter bribery and violence. He emphasized that the primaries are an internal democratic exercise, not a cause for conflict.
As the primaries unfold, the performance of prominent figures like Jesca Alupo and Annet Anite Among will be closely watched. Their political futures, and indeed the trajectory of the NRM itself, may hinge on the outcome of these primaries. The process will shape not just the party’s 2026 electoral lineup, but also influence broader discussions about leadership, succession, and the future of governance in Uganda.
