By Steve Oketa
Like every ruling party with imperfections, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has often found ways to address its weaknesses — sometimes by fixing them, sometimes by simply masking them for optics. But in recent years, the cracks have become harder to conceal.
Whether you support the opposition or stand firmly within the yellow camp, one truth remains: you cannot ignore NRM primaries. They have grown into a defining force that shapes Uganda’s entire political future — and what we witnessed in the most recent primary elections raises serious questions about the integrity of that future.
A Revolution Built On Electoral Betrayal
Uganda’s post-independence history turned in 1981, when Yoweri Museveni took up arms after a petition against election fraud during President Okello’s regime failed. That grievance birthed the National Resistance Army and, eventually, the NRM government. For many years afterward, Museveni championed reform, won public trust, and cast himself as a corrective force against electoral manipulation.
But the trust that was once the NRM’s strongest asset is eroding. Fast.
From the chaotic primaries of 2021 to the controversial build-up to 2025, the same electoral ghosts have returned — vote rigging, violence, bribery, and the haunting feeling that the real decisions are made long before the ballot boxes are opened.
The Turnout Mirage
Yes, the NRM still commands mammoth crowds at rallies, but mass attendance doesn’t necessarily translate to electoral credibility. Across the country, reports of vote tampering, sabotage, and ballot stuffing paint a different picture — one that casts doubt on the authenticity of these internal polls.
If NRM has the support of the people, why must it appear to cheat to win its own primaries?
President Museveni, though still the central figure in both party and state, cannot be everywhere at once. His reliance on trusted lieutenants is understandable — but has his inner circle been infiltrated? Are silent, self-serving actors now pulling the strings?
Diehards vs. the Deep State
The NRM has its loyalists — unapologetic defenders of the party, often ridiculed for blind allegiance. Think of Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Moses Sali (aka Bebe Cool), and Lt. (Rtd) Magufuri Moses Mugisha who is also the National Chief Coordinator for Transformers Cardres Association and former MP aspirant for Ntungamo Municipality. But when even these staunch loyalists raise alarm, we should all pay attention.
In 2021, Magufuri, alongside a coalition of losing candidates, warned of senior party officials misleading the President about election irregularities. More recently, Minister Balaam used his platform on X (formerly Twitter) to decry the “mafia” hijacking the NRM primaries — individuals accused of auctioning off entire voting blocs to the highest bidder.
These are not opposition voices. These are NRM’s own sons raising the red flag.
Even Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the First Son and Commander of the Defence Forces, has publicly lamented about mafia figures siphoning state resources and escaping justice. So have opposition heavyweights like Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi (aka Bobi Wine), Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, Hon. Winnie Kiiza, and Hon. Odonga Otto.
The idea of a shadow elite manipulating Uganda’s political machinery is no longer a conspiracy — it’s become common consensus.
Is the President Still in Charge?
Museveni has dedicated over 40 years to shaping Uganda’s political landscape. But today, the legacy he built — through blood, vision, and sacrifice — hangs in the balance.
Will it be passed on to sincere, disciplined leaders who reflect the passion and integrity of his youthful self? Or will it be swallowed by transactional operatives who view politics as an auction?
A Blueprint for Survival
As a visual artist, politics may not be my usual canvas. But as a patriot, I feel compelled to speak. If the NRM is to survive — not just in power but in principle — it must urgently consider the following:
1. Establish an Independent Internal Electoral Commission
The party’s electoral body must be impartial, transparent, and protected from internal manipulation. Loyalty to the truth must outweigh loyalty to individuals.
2. Implement Rigorous Voter Verification
Clean voter registers and biometric verification systems are essential to prevent voter fraud and ghost participation.
3. Monitor Campaign Financing Strictly
The blurry line between “facilitation” and outright bribery must be erased. Dishonest use of money allows the worst to rise while sidelining genuine servants of the people.
4. Educate Candidates and Voters Alike
5. Replace compromised electoral officials
6. Digitize internal elections for transparency.
NRM has the national reach. What it lacks, increasingly, is moral high ground. Candidates must be taught that winning by cheating weakens the very system they hope to lead under.
If internal elections are rigged, then the national ones won’t be believed. If the party members are betrayed, then national unity is undermined. And if reforms are postponed again, it won’t just be the opposition calling for change. The call will come from within.
NRM must invest in regular civic education within its ranks — instilling the values of transparency, honesty, and accountability in its future leaders.
The Final Question
Uganda does not need another armed revolution. But if the ruling party cannot hold clean elections within its own structures, why should any citizen believe in its ability to govern a democratic nation?
Museveni’s life’s work deserves preservation — not glorification, but continuity grounded in the same integrity that once defined it.
So, the question remains: Will President Museveni leave his legacy in the hands of the Mafias, or in the hands of passionate visionaries who reflect the ideals he once fought for?
The NRM has time to fix this, but the clock is ticking!
Written by Steve Oketa
