JINJA, UGANDA – A candidate representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) collapsed today during local party elections in Jinja after realizing he had no supporters in the vote.
The dramatic scene unfolded during grassroots elections, where voters indicate their preferred candidate by physically lining up behind them. According to eyewitnesses, the candidate turned around to assess the crowd, only to discover he was standing alone. All the voters had gathered behind his rival.
Overcome by shock, the candidate reportedly fainted on the spot. Onlookers rushed to assist and transported him to a nearby health facility. His medical condition is yet to be confirmed by health officials.
The elections are part of NRM’s ongoing preparations for the 2026 general elections, as the party works to establish leadership at the village level. The lining-up voting system, widely used in NRM primaries, is designed to offer a transparent and direct form of selection.
Although NRM officials have not yet issued a formal statement, the incident has sparked concern over the emotional toll such public voting methods may have on candidates.
