There is growing tension among online political influencers and digital mobilisers affiliated with Uganda’s ruling party, NRM, as several aspiring candidates fail to fulfill their payment promises ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to multiple social media activists and credible sources, some aspirants, especially those vying for CEC, parliamentary and local government seats, engaged influencers on declaring their intentions to vie for various posts.
They did this for publicity drives but have since gone silent according to sources, triggering frustration among their ‘foot soldiers.’
“We’ve been working day and night to amplify their messages, risking our platforms and credibility, but now it appears they can win a contest with super glue on whonsticks better,” lamented one prominent influencer who asked to remain anonymous for fear of backlash.
As part of the plan, various platforms like WhatsApp groups were created to amplify the aspirants’ ambitions.
“They had said after the structure elections, facilitation will flow like River Nile on its way to the Mediterranean sea, but all we are enduring is a Sahara drought. We are now worried because the delegates conference is fast approaching. It says a lot about how they will deliver services,” a source told this website.
Others warned that unless the issue is resolved, they might switch allegiance or “expose screenshots” showing direct communication and unpaid agreements.
Sources say this growing digital dissatisfaction could disrupt the NRM’s online narrative control, especially as the opposition ramps up its tech-savvy grassroots outreach.
The NRM will hold it’s delegates conference in August where leaders of the party will be chosen.
