By Spy Uganda
Uganda’s Parliament reconvened today under a cloud of political fatigue, absenteeism, and deepening internal party rifts following the recently concluded and highly contentious NRM flag-bearer primaries.
Originally summoned by Speaker Anita Among for July 22, the sitting was pushed to today amid growing concerns that the house would fail to meet quorum. The delay followed chaotic primary elections across the country that left many ruling party lawmakers bruised, both politically and emotionally.
According to sources within the Parliamentary Commission, a significant number of MPs were “still nursing wounds” after losing their NRM party tickets—a blow that has reportedly caused hesitation in returning to the floor.
A Party In Crisis
The National Resistance Movement (NRM), Uganda’s dominant political force, is now grappling with serious internal turbulence. The primaries—intended to project unity ahead of the 2026 general elections—instead revealed deep fractures.
In Kampala, voter turnout was alarmingly low, with NRM Kampala Central chairperson Salim Uhuru describing participation as “shockingly low,” pointing to growing apathy and weak mobilisation structures even within the party’s urban bases.
The primaries were also marred by serious irregularities:
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Widespread omissions in the NRM yellow register led to disenfranchisement in Fort Portal and several Kampala divisions.
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In Nakaseke District, post-election violence claimed the life of Living Kuhonda, a voter—triggering public outrage and renewed scrutiny over election oversight.
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Reports of double counting, ballot stuffing, and procedural inconsistencies were rampant across several constituencies, severely undermining the credibility of the internal exercise.
Parliament’s Delicate Balancing Act
The delayed session comes at a time of national urgency. MPs are expected to address critical issues such as:
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The UGX 97.5 trillion public debt, which now consumes nearly 57% of the national budget.
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Rising concerns over military interference in civilian electoral processes, prompting renewed calls for comprehensive electoral reform ahead of 2026.
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Deepening public frustration over governance failures, service delivery lapses, and unrelenting corruption.
Yet with attendance still in question and morale visibly fractured, Parliament’s ability to assert its constitutional oversight role hangs in the balance.
Political observers warn that the chamber’s current state reflects a broader crisis of confidence in Uganda’s institutions.
“The return from recess has exposed a Parliament that is uncertain of itself—torn between urgency and political survival,” noted one veteran political analyst.
Speaker Anita Among has appealed to MPs to rise above party wounds and put national interest first.
“We cannot afford to stall at this moment. Uganda needs a functioning Parliament more than ever,” she stated.
But with general elections just months away and the NRM’s internal machinery visibly strained, the weeks ahead may well determine the relevance of Parliament—and the stability of Uganda’s political future.
