CEC Aspirants Decry Secrecy, Call for Joint Campaigns and Grassroots Reforms

A group of National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) aspirants has raised concern over what they describe as increasing internal secrecy and lack of transparency by some incumbent leaders in the party’s top organ.

Addressing a press conference in Kampala, the aspirants; Hakim Kyeswa (Vice Chairman, Buganda), Christopher Buyela (Eastern Region), Rehema Kyanika (Women’s League), and Sadat Sserugo (Kampala), criticized a recent alleged secret meeting convened by current CEC members, which they claim was aimed at shielding incumbents ahead of the upcoming Delegates Conference.

Hakim Kyeswa emphasized the need for fairness and cohesion in the electoral process, calling for joint campaigns for all CEC aspirants.

“We need joint campaigns so that delegates can hear from all contenders equally. Transparency and unity must guide our journey to a stronger party,” Kyeswa said.

Christopher Buyela, contesting for the Eastern Region seat, criticized the current CEC leadership for being out of touch with the grassroots.

“CEC must go to the people. Leaders should serve, not just sit in offices. There is a growing disconnect between those in power and the people they claim to represent,” he said, calling on the NRM National Chairman, President Yoweri Museveni, to “streamline the party and reinvigorate its work ethic.”

Rehema Kyanika echoed similar sentiments, noting that the growing gap between leaders and ordinary Ugandans has bred disillusionment.

“There is a very big gap. People feel abandoned. If elected, I will champion the revival of cooperatives to empower women and local communities economically,” she said.

The group is also demanding clarity on the CEC vetting process, arguing that it should be inclusive, transparent, and devoid of manipulation.

They warned that failure to address these issues risks breeding internal resentment and disunity.

Their collective stance is a rare public challenge to the party’s internal operations and could signal growing pressure from emerging voices within the ruling party, ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive Delegates Conference late next month.