NRM Faults NTV Over Debate Advert, Rules Out Museveni’s Attendance

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has distanced itself from an advert circulating on social media indicating that its Presidential Candidate, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, will participate in a televised presidential debate organized by NTV Uganda.

In a statement posted on the party’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the NRM said it had only received a formal invitation to the proposed debate on November 21, 2025—well after the Electoral Commission (EC) had approved the candidate’s campaign programme.

“For the record, the NRM only received the invitation on November 21, 2025, long after the Electoral Commission had approved the candidate’s campaign programme,” the statement read.

“Such a debate was neither brought to the prior consideration of the candidates nor included in the EC-approved programme.”

The party emphasised that President Museveni, the NRM’s flag bearer in the 2026 general elections, is not preparing to take part in any such debate.

“Our Presidential Candidate is therefore not preparing to participate in any such debate,” the NRM clarified.

NTV has been running promotional material announcing a presidential debate scheduled for November 30, 2025, featuring candidates from various political parties.

However, with the NRM now formally declining participation, questions remain about the final lineup of candidates who will take part.

The broadcaster has not yet issued a public response to the NRM’s position.