A significant meeting of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is currently underway at State House, Entebbe, as leaders convene to deliberate on the party’s roadmap for the year 2026. Spearheaded by President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as the NRM party chairman, the Central Executive Committee (CEC) members have been summoned for this special gathering, responding to calls from various quarters within the party.
This gathering holds particular importance as it comes amidst heightened internal discussions and requests for clarity on crucial party matters. Concerns have been raised regarding the designation of the NRM presidential flag bearer for the 2026 elections, prompting calls for a comprehensive direction from the party leadership.
In recent weeks, prominent party members, including Brig. Gen. Moses Kigongo, the NRM’s national vice chairman, have urged President Museveni to convene CEC and address pressing issues within the party. One such meeting, chaired by Kigongo on February 15, highlighted concerns over the lack of input from CEC in crafting the party’s roadmap, leading to a temporary suspension of its implementation.
Key grievances expressed during these discussions revolve around the appointment of parliamentary commissioners and the involvement of special guests in CEC meetings. Members have voiced dissatisfaction with certain appointments and have urged for a reassessment of the process to ensure adherence to party procedures.
Furthermore, additional meetings, including one led by presidential advisor David Mafabi, have underscored the need for CEC intervention in resolving emerging contradictions and clarifying the path forward for the party. These gatherings have served as platforms for party members to express their concerns and advocate for transparency and accountability within NRM.
President Museveni’s recent visit to the NRM party secretariat and the launch of the party register exercise signify a pivotal moment in the party’s internal electoral process for 2026. Dr. Tanga Odoi, the chairperson of the NRM electoral commission, outlined the roadmap, detailing various stages including voter registration and polling for party structures at different levels.
However, Odoi clarified that the election for the presidential flag bearer, along with other key positions, will follow a separate roadmap, distinct from the ongoing party elections. This distinction emphasizes the importance of organized party elections preceding the selection of flag bearers, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
As NRM leaders convene at State House Entebbe, the focus remains on deliberating and charting a clear path forward for the party. The outcomes of this meeting are anticipated to provide clarity and direction for NRM’s future endeavors, shaping the party’s trajectory leading up to the 2026 elections and beyond.
