Lango MPs who want to dare Museveni to contest on independent tickets

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a firm warning to National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament who lost in the party primaries, cautioning them against running as independent candidates in the 2026 general elections.

The President made the statement on Sunday during a meeting in Arua City with NRM MPs who were defeated in the party’s primaries.

Museveni reminded them that standing as independents violates the NRM constitution and undermines the party’s unity and historical struggle.

“Standing as independent candidates, especially in constituencies where the NRM enjoys overwhelming support, splits the party vote and weakens our dominance,” Museveni stressed.

He assured MPs who remain loyal to the party that they would be integrated into his national campaign task force ahead of the 2026 polls.

In a symbolic gesture, the President took group photographs only with those who pledged not to run as independents—a public display of their continued loyalty.

The warning comes amid a significant shake-up in the Lango sub-region, where six incumbent MPs lost their bids during the NRM primaries held on July 17, 2025.

Among them was Judith Alyek, the Kole District Woman MP and Chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group, who was decisively defeated by Acheng Sandra Odongo by a margin of 9,210 votes.

Other notable incumbents who lost the party flags include: Tony Ayoo, Kwania County, who was defeated by Tony Eron

Moses Ogwal Goli, Dokolo North, who lost to Joseph Jones Ogwal

Docus Acen, Alebtong District Woman MP was defeated by Dr Lakisa Mercy

James Olobo aka Dubai of Amolatar, who lost to Peter Okodo

Christine Akello Gwokadako Dangmako of Erute North was defeated by Patrick Ongom Aregedeng.

Despite the President’s warning, Judith Alyek has publicly declared her intention to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections, setting the stage for a potential confrontation with the NRM’s official flag bearer.