Tension has gripped top aspirants vying for seats on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), as President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni officially confirmed that the 1st Meeting of the 4th National Conference will be held on 27th and 28th August 2025 at Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds.
The top level summit, convened under the theme “Building a Shared Prosperity: Investing in Uganda’s Future”, is not just another party ritual, it is a decisive moment that will determine who governs with President Museveni at the party level as the country hurtles toward the 2026 general elections.
The confirmation of the dates has put to rest anxiety from waiting for the real days as aspirants get into full-blown campaign mode, with many burning the midnight candle in anticipation of the conference.
Credible sources in the political corridors of power say several hopefuls are on edge, knowing that the party’s internal mechanism will trim down the list, and not everyone will make the cut.
“It’s tense. People are lobbying day and night. Even incumbents are not safe,” a source intimated to this publication.
“Museveni wants loyalty, strategy, and results, so it won’t be business as usual.”
Key Conference for 2026 Strategy
The Kololo conference is set to consider key party business, including:
- The election of the National Chairperson and Vice Chairpersons, including:
- 1st Vice Chairperson
- 2nd Vice Chairperson (Female)
- Six Regional Vice Chairpersons: Central, East, West, North, Kampala, and Karamoja
- Campaigns by vetted nominees, giving them an opportunity to convince the over 15,000 delegates why they deserve a seat at the top decision-making table.
- Confirmation of the NRM’s 2026 Presidential Candidate, a moment many expect will solidify President Museveni’s dominance—should he accept to run again.
But before any ballots are cast, the vetting process will act as the first political battlefield, eliminating weak or controversial candidates.
This opaque but powerful process is where the real battle is already unfolding behind closed doors.
Contests likely to take centre stage are those of the 1st National Vice Chairperson (female) and Entrepreneurs League seat.
Special interest groups like the National Female Youth MP slot and regional have been talk of the campaign and will likely dominate during the conference.
Anxiety Among Aspirants
From regional mobilizers to national heavyweights, aspirants are reportedly under pressure, holding marathon meetings with influential party figures, mobilizing endorsements, and engaging in quiet image-building campaigns.
“Everyone is calculating who is in whose camp,” said a senior NRM mobilizer.
“It’s not just about support from your region. If you’re not aligned with the inner circle or seen as ‘useful’ to the party’s 2026 strategy, you’re vulnerable.”
Museveni’s Shadow Looms Large
As National Chairperson, President Museveni remains the kingmaker, with final say on many of the recommendations that come out of the vetting process.
While his own position is among those on the ballot, he is unopposed.
What is clear is that Museveni will use the conference to consolidate power within the party, and ensure the CEC is filledStart slideshow with individuals who can execute the NRM’s 2026 election vision with discipline and loyalty.
D-Day Nears
With just a month to go, the party is entering a season of realignment, suspicion, and silent wars.
Deals are being cut as some candidates are ‘bought out,’ alliances forged, and political daggers sharpened. For those who make it through, the reward is a coveted seat at the highest decision-making table in Uganda’s ruling party. For those who don’t, it could spell the end of their political careers.
As one senior party official bluntly put it: “This isn’t just a conference. It’s a fight for survival.”
NRM Delegates Conference Key Dates
Venue: Kololo Independence Grounds, Kampala
Dates: 27th – 28th August 2025
Agenda Highlights:
- Keynote by President Museveni
- Vetting and election of CEC leaders
- Declaration of NRM’s 2026 Presidential Candidate
- Resolutions and strategy for upcoming elections
UG Diplomat will provide a 360⁰ coverage of the conference to track the high drama, behind-the-scenes power plays, and final outcomes of this make-or-break conference.
