Oyam, Uganda | July 9, 2025 — The ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) joint campaigns for party primaries in Oyam District have stirred a mix of unity, tension, and contrasting views among both contestants and voters.
While the NRM’s new model of joint campaigning is being lauded for promoting harmony among contestors, it is also exposing cracks within the party’s local structure, with some voters expressing dissatisfaction over how the campaigns are being managed.
Daniel Douglas Munu, the NRM Secretary for Oyam District, defended the strategy, calling it a “productive innovation.”
He said the unified campaign trail has strengthened cooperation among aspirants contesting for key positions under the NRM ticket, including District Chairperson (LC5), Members of Parliament for Oyam North and South, and Woman MP.
“This approach is encouraging brotherhood and sisterhood among candidates,” Munu noted.
“We are witnessing a culture of peaceful coexistence among politicians who would otherwise campaign individually and spark unnecessary rivalry.”
Among those contesting, several have voiced their support. Samuel Engola Okello, also known as Engola Junior and the current flag bearer for Oyam North MP, called the strategy “perfect” for promoting internal party discipline and reducing campaign costs.
Jane Frances Acilo, who is vying to carry the NRM flag for Woman MP Oyam District, echoed similar sentiments.
“This joint campaign is helping both the voters and candidates understand each other better. It is building a spirit of unity that will be needed in the general elections,” she said.
However,the electorates of Oyam district praised this system saying that it is easing their identification of capability, wisdom, leadership knowledge, strength and weaknesses of the contestants.
Although they expressed their disgust over the restrictions by those who are heading the campaigns who are not allowing them to storm the contestants with questions yet some of them seem just too wordy and not action oriented.
As the NRM prepares for the primaries, the question remains: Will the joint campaign model succeed in fostering true unity, or will it leave lasting cracks in the party’s grassroots base in Oyam?
The outcome of the primaries will likely determine not just the party’s flag bearers but also the trust and engagement of its supporters ahead of the 2026 general elections.
ENDS
