The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has announced a significant increase in its membership, claiming a jump from 18 million to 20.7 million registered members in just one year. The revelation, made by NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong at a press conference in Kampala, has raised eyebrows given that Uganda’s Electoral Commission records only 18 million eligible voters nationwide.
A Question of Numbers
A Question of Numbers
Todwong defended the figures, stating that the party had conducted a rigorous verification process. He explained that the 20.7 million includes individuals aged 16 and above, but only those 18 and older will be retained in the final voter register.
However, critics have questioned the math:
- If Uganda has 18 million eligible voters, how does NRM alone claim 20.7 million members—even if including 16- and 17-year-olds?
- Does this mean every eligible voter in Uganda is an NRM member, leaving no room for opposition supporters or independents?
- Has no member died, defected, or left the partyin the past two years?
Political Reactions
Opposition leaders have dismissed the figures asinflated arguing that the numbers defy logic. "If NRM has 20 million members, then who are the opposition supporters voting for us?" questioned the Akim watayrie , upc spokes person in mbale city .he added on that if those numbers are to taken serious right than we have no opposition in Uganda .
Electoral analysts suggest that the NRM’s announcement could be part of a psychological strategy to project dominance ahead of the 2026 elections. However, without independent verification, the credibility of these figures remains in doubt.
What’s Next?
The NRM says it will soon release its final verified register and election roadmap. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission is expected to update the national voter register which will provide a clearer picture of Uganda’s actual voting population.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, the debate over NRM’s membership claims is likely to intensify, with opposition parties demanding transparency and independent audits of party registers.
The Big Question: Will Ugandans believe the
