Agency
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has issued strict guidelines ahead of its primary elections.
The directive, issued by the party’s Director of Legal Services, Enoch Barata, outlines mandatory legal, academic, and ethical standards that all aspirants must meet to secure nomination under the NRM ticket.
The 9-page document also elaborates on strict conditions related to resignation from public service, criminal conduct, and electoral behaviour.
The nomination exercise is set to start on June 17th to June 30th 2025, while the primaries are set for July 16th.
According to Barata, the nomination of candidates is not merely an administrative step, but a constitutional responsibility that must comply fully with national electoral laws and internal party rules.
Every candidate, regardless of their status or political standing, must undergo verification and clearance by the Directorate of Legal Services before nomination.
At the heart of the eligibility requirements is proof of identity and citizenship.
Every aspirant is expected to present their National Identity Card or a verifiable application form from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to establish Ugandan citizenship.
In addition, Barata states that candidates must demonstrate that they are duly registered voters with the National Electoral Commission.
Aspirants must also be registered in the party’s register, affirming their status as members eligible to participate in internal party structures and primaries.
The guidelines also set a clear threshold, particularly for those aspiring to the positions of Member of Parliament or Local Government Council V Chairperson.
Barata noted that the minimum academic requirement for such positions is the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), with an accompanying letter of verification from the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
For candidates who did not pursue A-Level education but followed alternative educational paths, the law permits the submission of a certificate of equivalence issued by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
Barata told Mega FM in an exclusive interview that holders of diplomas or university degrees obtained from recognised institutions in Uganda or the former University of East Africa must provide certified academic documents to that effect.
