KAMPALA, Uganda | The National Resistance Movement (NRM), Uganda’s ruling party, is facing a series of legal challenges over its alleged failure to conduct internal elections as required by its constitution. Party members have taken the leadership to court, accusing the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of neglecting their constitutional duties and allowing leaders to overstay their terms without re-election.

The Revivalist Movement, a group of NRM members, has filed a lawsuit against the party, its Secretary-General, and the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission. The group argues that the absence of internal elections has denied members the opportunity to contest for leadership positions, violating their right to participate in the governance of the party. They claim the leadership’s inaction breaches internal governance standards and undermines confidence in the NRM’s democratic principles.

Speaking at a press conference in Kampala on Tuesday, November 19, Isaac Rukanda, leader of the Revivalist Movement, emphasized that internal elections are fundamental to the NRM’s democratic framework. He stressed the importance of adhering to the party’s constitution to uphold its democratic credentials.

Earlier this year, Daniel Obal, a youth leader and aide to President Yoweri Museveni, filed a similar lawsuit. Obal argued that the party’s failure to conduct elections violated his constitutional right to participate in the party’s political processes. He claimed this inaction had created a leadership vacuum that undermines the principles of democracy within the NRM.

The NRM leadership has responded with mixed reactions. Some leaders dismissed the lawsuits as unnecessary distractions, suggesting that members dissatisfied with the party’s direction consider forming their own political entities.

The NRM Constitution stipulates that elected officials serve a five-year term, with the possibility of re-election. This requirement aligns with Article 71(c) of the Ugandan Constitution, which requires political parties to uphold democratic principles in their internal organization.