By Frank Kamuntu
On Wednesday, February 28, 2024 all roads will lead to plot 10 Kyadondo, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) head office as the party Chairman President Yoweri Museveni is set to officially launch the update of its register. This crucial administrative task is geared towards removing the non-existent and fraudulent members from its records ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The registration update serves as a precursor to the eagerly anticipated 2026 general elections and aligns with the electoral commission’s roadmap.
Among Key figures to grace the massive launch include; the Party Secretary General, Rt Hon Richard Todwong, the Office of the National Chairman Manager, who also serves as President Museveni’s Senior Political Advisor, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye aka Chief Muzzukulu among other party big wigs.
Insiders from the Party’s Secretariat emphasize the importance of updating the register as a crucial step in maintaining the accuracy and currency of the NRM’s internal records involving verifying member details, rectifying inconsistencies, and ensuring accurate recording of all eligible members in the NRM’s systems.
“These records are the bedrock of a smooth nomination and election process within the party. The intricate task may involve verifying the party members’ details, rectifying inconsistencies, and ensuring that all eligible members are correctly recorded in the NRM’s systems” one of the sources confirmed.
“This activity is not merely clerical. It is a manifestation of the party’s efforts to organize and prepare for the upcoming elections. A reliable and transparent register is the cornerstone of internal democracy and the credibility of the internal electoral processes. It is a sign of the party’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process,” the source added.
NRM’s register update is demonstration the ruling party’s commitment to transparency and accountability, fostering public trust in its commitment to fair and inclusive general elections.
Updating the party’s voters’ register is also essential for maintaining the integrity of the upcoming electoral process and building public confidence in the party that is looking forward to consolidate power and serving Ugandans at all levels.
More About the NRM party Register
Who can join NRM
Membership to NRM is open to all Ugandans, irrespective of ethnic identity, sex, tribe, creed or religion, birth, economic status, race and disability or other sectional division, who are prepared to abide by its Constitution, Code of Conduct, Rules, Regulations and Bye-laws as may from time to time be made.
How to Join NRM
Contact the secretary to your nearest Cell (village) or any other Branch Executive Committee member for registration, upon completion of registration an oath of allegiance to NRM will be made and then a membership card issued.
Membership shall cease if a member:
1. Dies;
2. Resigns;
3. Joins another political organisation or political party;
4. Is dismissed in accordance with the Constitution and the Code of Conduct of NRM;
5. Is found in breach of the code and in particular;
6. Campaigning for a candidate sponsored by another political organisation or party; or
7. Offering material support to a candidate sponsored by another political organisation or party; or
8. Campaigning against the official candidate of NRM.
9. Dismissal under circumstance (e) above shall be after a fair hearing.
A person who wishes to rejoin NRM may apply in accordance with the Rules and Regulations made under the NRM constitution.
Rights and duties of NRM party members
Every member of NRM shall have a right to:
1. Take a full and active part in the discussion, formulation and implementation of policies of NRM at the organ where he/she belongs;
2. Attend meetings of the relevant organ where he/she is a member;
3. Receive and disseminate information on all aspects of NRM policies and activities;
4. Offer constructive criticism of any member, official, policy, programme or activity within the organs of NRM;
5. Take part in elections and be eligible for election to any elective office within the structures of NRM or appointment to any committee, structure, commission or delegation of NRM;
6. Submit proposals or statements to the National Conference, or the National Executive Council (NEC) provided such proposals or statements are submitted through the appropriate structures.
Every member of NRM shall, as a duty:
1. Belong to and take an active part in the activities of his or her branch;
2. Take all the necessary steps and means to understand and carry out the aims, policies and programmes of NRM;
3. Explain the aims, policies, programmes and achievements of NRM to the population;
4. Fight propaganda detrimental to the interests of NRM and defend its policies, aims and programmes;
5. Guard against sectarianism, tribal chauvinism, sexism, religious and political intolerance or any other form of discrimination;
6. Promote peace, unity and solidarity;
7. Observe discipline, behave honestly and be loyal to the decisions of the majority of the members of the organ where a member belongs and to the decisions of higher organs within the structures of NRM;
8. Refrain from publishing, distributing or making statements to any media house which purports to be the view or position of NRM without authorisation of the organ of NRM where the member belongs;
9. To adhere to the principle that the interests of NRM stand above everything else, subordinating his or her personal interests to the interests of NRM and the nation;
10. Not to engage in any form of corruption and to pursue the eradication of corruption from our society;
11. To mobilise for recruitment of members into NRM;
12. To participate in any activity for purposes of attainment of the objectives and vision of NRM.
