Uganda’s Vice President, Retired Major Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, has officially declared her intention to contest for the Katakwi District Woman MP seat in the 2026 parliamentary elections.
Alupo picked up her nomination forms on Monday at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission offices on Kyadondo Road in Kampala.
The brief ceremony was witnessed by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, and the party’s Secretary General, Richard Todwong, among other senior officials.
"I have already expressed my intention to contest as the Woman MP for Katakwi District in the NRM primaries," Alupo told journalists shortly after being cleared by the party’s electoral body. Her move makes her the first candidate to express interest in the seat for the 2026–2031 parliamentary term.
The NRM party began the registration of aspiring parliamentary candidates on Monday, marking the start of the internal nomination process ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Alupo commended the NRM Electoral Commission and Secretariat for conducting the exercise in an orderly and timely manner.
"I am extremely hopeful that the NRM primaries will be free and fair. The early start gives candidates ample time to engage with voters and ensure a level playing field ahead of Election Day," she said.
The Vice President emphasized the core principles of the NRM nationalism, pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy noting that these ideals must guide leaders as they shape the party’s and country’s future.
She encouraged other aspiring NRM candidates to freely come forward and participate in the nomination process, describing it as "clear, simple, and efficient."
To maintain peace and order throughout the electoral process, Alupo called on the NRM leadership particularly the Electoral Commission and Secretariat to remain vigilant and ready to resolve any disputes that may emerge.
She also urged candidates and their supporters to respect the electoral rules and regulations, cautioning against actions that could create tension or disrupt the process.
“The laws governing this process are comprehensive and sufficient. There’s no need for interference or unnecessary amendments,” she warned.
Alupo’s entry into the race sets the stage for a potentially high-stakes contest in Katakwi District as the NRM gears up for competitive party primaries.
