Aspiring Female Youth MP Kanyesigye Urges NRM To Quickly Conclude Suspended Youth Elections

By Gad Masereka

The suspension of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth elections has sparked renewed calls from aspiring leaders, with Mercy Kanyesigye urging the party’s top organs to swiftly conclude the disrupted process.

Speaking to the media in Kampala on Thursday, the NRM National Female Youth MP candidate for 2026–2031 expressed concern that the delay had left many young delegates frustrated and uncertain about their role in shaping the party’s future.

Her appeal followed Wednesday’s decision by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the NRM National Chairperson, to halt the youth elections after chaotic scenes disrupted proceedings at the Delegates Conference in Kololo.

While security forces restored calm by morning and other Central Executive Committee elections continued without incident, the youth polls were suspended indefinitely, leaving delegates and supporters in limbo.

Kanyesigye commended the resilience of young delegates who had braved challenges to attend the conference, noting that many travelled long distances and sacrificed work and family commitments only for the exercise to be halted. “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 argued that the party owed its youth a timely conclusion of the process, stressing that inclusivity and unity could only be sustained if delegates were given the opportunity to elect their leaders. “It is only fair that they are given the chance to secure our flag bearers,” she added.

Kanyesigye appealed directly to the President, the party secretariat, and the Electoral Commission to announce new dates as soon as possible, warning that prolonged delays risked undermining confidence in the internal democratic process.

“This will ensure inclusivity, restore confidence, and strengthen the values of participation, unity, and transformation that our party stands for,” she emphasized.

Her call highlights the delicate balance the ruling party faces as it manages internal contests ahead of the 2026 general elections.

For many delegates, the suspended vote represents not only a procedural setback but also a test of the NRM’s commitment to democratic participation within its ranks.