The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has dismissed claims that it is selling party flags to candidates ahead of its upcoming primaries. The party’s National Treasurer, Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo, strongly denied the allegations, calling them false and misleading.

The controversy began after the NRM released its nomination fee schedule for candidates seeking to run under the party’s flag in the 2026 elections. According to the guidelines issued by NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, presidential aspirants will pay UGX 20 million, parliamentary candidates UGX 3 million, Lord Mayor hopefuls UGX 1.5 million, and those vying for positions like LCV chairperson or district councillor will pay UGX 1 million each.

Some media reports suggested that the fees amounted to selling the party’s flag, a claim that Nekesa firmly rejected. Speaking during an orientation session for NRM District Election Officers at the party’s headquarters in Kyadondo, she accused certain media outlets of spreading misinformation.

“We are not selling party flags. I don’t know what some media houses want to achieve with such claims—this is pure misinformation,” Nekesa said. She explained that requiring candidates to contribute financially is a normal practice in politics worldwide.

“This is a standard practice globally, where political leaders support their parties financially. The NRM has adopted this approach to encourage members to take ownership of the party’s activities,” she stated. She challenged critics to examine how other political parties, both in Africa and beyond, operate.

Nekesa emphasized that the fees collected from candidates are reinvested into supporting them during campaigns. “After the primaries, the NRM leadership steps in to assist flag bearers by paying their nomination fees and providing initial campaign funds. We give financial support to our candidates at different levels. So, we are not commercializing the party flag in any way,” she clarified.

She urged NRM leaders to speak out against the false narrative being spread by some media outlets. “Let us correct this wrong impression that we are selling NRM flags—this is just propaganda meant to tarnish our image,” she said.

Nekesa stressed that the party’s system has been in place for years and is not new. “These are not our new rules. This has always been our practice. It is simply a way to encourage leaders to support the party’s political work. The money collected is used to help the same candidates later,” she concluded.

The NRM’s nomination fees have sparked debate, with some critics questioning whether they might lock out less financially capable candidates. However, party officials insist that the system ensures fairness and accountability while strengthening the party’s financial base.

Political analysts note that many parties worldwide charge nomination fees to cover administrative costs and discourage non-serious candidates. However, the challenge remains balancing accessibility for all members while maintaining party sustainability.

As the NRM prepares for its primaries, the leadership is keen on ensuring transparency and unity. Nekesa’s strong denial of the flag-selling claims reflects the party’s effort to control its public image amid growing political competition.

With elections approaching, the debate over nomination fees is likely to continue. The NRM maintains that its system is fair and in line with global practices, while opponents may use the issue to rally support against what they see as financial barriers to political participation.

For now, the party remains focused on mobilizing its members and preparing for a competitive election season, confident that its policies will stand up to scrutiny.