President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has congratulated the National Resistance Movement (NRM) members, particularly the youth (Bazzukulu), for their strong participation in the party’s primary elections held on July 17, 2025.
In a message shared on Sunday, the President revealed that 9.22 million members took part in the primaries, a figure he said represents nearly 50% of the party’s total confirmed membership of 18.5 million as of May this year.
Describing the turnout as commendable given that voting occurred on a mid-week working day, Museveni commended the commitment of party members and reaffirmed the party’s mass support base.
“Therefore, 9.22 million members of our Party turning up… on a working day and mid-week, is not bad. Congratulations,” the President stated.
However, the celebratory tone was tempered by a stern warning against what he termed “unpatriotic actors” involved in electoral malpractice during the primaries. Museveni listed serious allegations, including:
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Alteration of election results,
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Tampering with voters’ registers,
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Violence—some incidents resulting in deaths and injuries,
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Use of bribes and materials to influence voters.
“These are politically and ideologically wrong and must be condemned by all lovers of the NRM and Uganda,” he asserted.
He added that the party would begin prosecuting those involved, starting with those accused of altering results.
In a missive using traditional metaphors, the President emphasized the role of elected leaders as rational problem-solvers committed to implementing government programs that address the needs of ordinary citizens (the Wanainchi).
He cited achievements such as the elimination of diseases through immunization, liberalization of the economy, ending of public transport shortages, and economic empowerment through programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“Where the NRM programmes are well implemented, the kukyenuura [solving of problems] takes place,” Museveni said, listing success stories across the country.
In closing, he urged members not to be provoked where irregularities occurred, assuring them that the culprits would be brought to book.
“I, therefore, congratulate the NRM members. Where problems were encountered, do not be provoked. We shall get the culprits,” the President concluded, signing off with his historical titles: Ssaabalwanyi (chief fighter) and Ssemalungu (the one who crossed water), used to remind the youth of the NRM’s historical legacy.
