Kampala, Uganda – The suspension of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth elections has raised growing concerns among aspiring leaders, with Mercy Kanyesigye, the NRM National Female Youth MP candidate for 2026–2031, urging the party’s top organs to swiftly conclude the disrupted process.
Her remarks followed Wednesday’s decision by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the NRM National Chairperson, to suspend elections for the National Youth League and Youth Members of Parliament. The move came after chaotic scenes disrupted the Delegates Conference held at Kololo.
By Wednesday morning, security forces had restored calm, and other Central Executive Committee elections proceeded peacefully. However, the youth elections were suspended indefinitely, leaving many delegates and supporters frustrated and uncertain about the way forward.
Addressing the media in Kampala on Thursday, Kanyesigye expressed concern over the delay and the toll it has taken on young delegates. She extended gratitude to those who endured challenges to attend the conference. “Your resilience and commitment to the party are commendable,” she said. “But we cannot ignore the heavy burden this suspension has placed on our supporters, many of whom are now left uncertain about the way forward.”
She emphasized that many delegates had travelled long distances and made personal sacrifices, including leaving behind families and workplaces, only for the process to be halted. “We are gathered here today to highlight their plight and to emphasize the urgent need to conclude this process. Our supporters remain in limbo, and it is only fair that they are given the opportunity to elect their leaders and secure our party flag bearers,” she explained.
Kanyesigye further appealed directly to the President, the NRM Secretariat, and the Party Electoral Commission to take urgent action. “Therefore, I appeal to our National Chairperson, H.E. the President, to the Secretariat, and to the Party Electoral Commission to set and announce the nearest possible dates to conduct the suspended elections. This will ensure inclusivity, restore confidence, and strengthen the values of participation, unity, and transformation that our party stands for,” she emphasized.
Her call underscores the delicate balance the ruling party must maintain as it manages internal contests ahead of the 2026 general elections. For many delegates, the suspension is not only a procedural setback but also a critical test of the NRM’s commitment to inclusivity and democratic participation within its ranks.
