Museveni lauds peaceful NRM primaries, defends gifts as rewards, not bribes

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has applauded the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for conducting what he described as “much more peaceful and fraud-free” primary elections for local government positions held on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Speaking in a public statement addressed to NRM members, particularly the Bazzukulu (youth supporters), and the wider Ugandan population, the President praised the large turnout and the improved conduct of the primaries for LC-V chairpersons, mayors, and councillors.

“By yesterday evening, reports confirmed that 7.95 million NRM members had participated in the primaries,” Museveni stated. “This is commendable, especially considering it was a mid-week, working day election; a time that usually generates less excitement.”

He noted that while a few disruptions were reported, such as an incident in Arua, these were swiftly contained. Museveni encouraged citizens to expose any criminal behavior related to the elections.

Crackdown on electoral misconduct

The President attributed the improved integrity of the latest primaries to the government’s decisive action against electoral malpractice during the earlier NRM parliamentary primaries held on July 17, 2025.

“A total of 333 individuals have been arrested, with 48 charged in court, including 13 NRM district registrars, mainly for altering results,” he revealed. “The operation against other wrongdoers, such as those involved in voter bribery, is ongoing.”

Bribery accusations and the “Brown Envelope” debate

President Museveni also took aim at allegations aired on a local TV panel by opposition figure Hon. Kivumbi, who claimed that voter bribery among NRM candidates stems from Museveni’s own practice of distributing “brown envelopes.”

The President dismissed these claims as misleading, explaining that his monetary gifts such as those given to artists, dancers, or elderly citizens are not bribes but official rewards for contributions to the country.

“The brown envelope I give is called Kurongoora, rewarding people for some work done. It is not a bribe,” Museveni clarified. “These are official donations made by the President of Uganda to deserving citizens, such as farmers, singers, or elderly individuals, for their contributions to the community.”

Citing a recent example, he said he gave UGX 5 million to a large group of Bwola dancers in Patongo for their elaborate performance, stressing that rewarding performers or athletes is a common and legitimate practice globally.

“Should Hon. Kivumbi attempt to give UGX 5 million to dancers? Not at all, he is not the President and has no such budget,” Museveni said mockingly. “Let him think of a modest offertory, like the widow’s copper coin in the Bible.”

Campaign financing: A cultural shift, not NRM policy

The President distanced himself and the NRM from the increasing use of money in politics, saying it contradicts the party’s founding principles.

“The use of money in politics is in spite of my vision, not because of it. It emerged with the broadening of political participation after 1996; a culture of fundraising and allowances,” he said. “We have always warned about the dangers of that practice and will continue working to eradicate it.”

Museveni emphasized that the spirit of volunteerism and sacrifice has defined the NRA/UPDF for over five decades, often operating under little or no pay while ensuring national peace and stability.

“Our fighters have served for years without demanding rewards. That is the true spirit of patriotism.”

A Call for Integrity

Concluding his statement, Museveni called on all Ugandans to reject voter bribery and uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and public service that the NRM stands for.

“Let us all work together to end this mistake. We have always castigated it, and we must uproot it completely.”