In a surprising and tough move, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered the arrest of more than 300 officials from his ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM). These arrests follow serious complaints of cheating during the party’s recent primary elections.
Reports came in from across the country, especially from districts like Sembabule, Kamwenge, and Mityana. People said there was a lot of fraud. Some voters claimed they were stopped from entering polling stations. Others said they saw pre-marked ballot papers and local officials working with security officers to help certain candidates win unfairly.
After the chaos, the NRM Electoral Commission started an investigation. The findings were shocking. Many officials were clearly involved in illegal activities to change the results. Once this evidence was shared with security forces, they acted fast. Suspects were picked up and taken to various detention centers. Many of them have already given statements to the police and could be taken to court soon.
President Museveni spoke about the issue in a national address. He didn’t hold back. He said that no one will be allowed to destroy democracy in the NRM. He warned that anyone found guilty of election cheating will be punished, no matter who they are.
“Anyone who tampers with the democratic process of the NRM will face the law. No exceptions,” he said.
Government officials also said that a full report about the scandal will be ready soon and sent to the Attorney General for further action.
This mass arrest is one of the biggest crackdowns inside the NRM in years. It shows that President Museveni is serious about cleaning up his party before the 2026 general elections. Many people believe this action sends a strong message that corruption and dishonesty in politics will not be tolerated—even if it’s happening within the ruling party itself.
Now, the country waits to see what happens next. Will this bold action bring real change to Uganda’s politics? Or are there deeper problems still hiding under the surface?
