President Yoweri Museveni who also doubles as ruling NRM National Chairman, has summoned the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) to a critical meeting at State House, Entebbe, setting the stage for an eventful 2025 as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections.
According to reports, the meeting takes place amidst heightened political fever and internal party tension as preparations for the general elections next year gather steam, with many eyeing the NRM primaries that will determine flag bearers for positions ranging from district chairpersons (LCV) to Members of Parliament, city mayors, and local councils.
These contests, set to unfold in a charged political atmosphere, will define the party’s path heading into 2026 with Museveni expected to lead the pack.
A central concern is the uncertainty at the NRM Secretariat, where contracts for top leaders have lapsed. Many hope the CEC meeting’s deliberations will clarify the fate of these officials while solidifying grassroots mobilization efforts. The roadmap for the 2026 elections, including key timelines for internal elections and the National Delegates Conference, is also on the table.
“Many NRM leaders at different levels are on edge over this meeting with many positioning themselves to keep their political aura upbeat,” a source intimated to this website.
This comes hot on the heels of reports of a meeting President Museveni had with party officials with murmurs in the political corridors of power indicating that a major shakeup is in the offing at the secretariat.
Adding to the mix is the escalating competition for influential CEC positions, notably Speaker Anita Among’s bid to unseat Rebecca Kadaga as National Vice-Chairperson (Female), a move that sources say will divide MPs and other party leaders.
“Although the speaker declared her intentions, Kadaga still holds some sway over a sizeable number of people within the party including leaders. This is one of the battles that will define the 2025 jostle for top posts of the party,” the source added.
Former Speaker Kadaga is not about to let go of her post and has since gained support from what many would say is an unlikely source, state minister Persis Namuganza, who ran against her for the same post in the previous elections.
She emphasized Kadaga’s seniority and urged NRM delegates, especially from Busoga, to support Kadaga, discouraging any new contenders. Namuganza’s support is seen as a significant boost to Kadaga’s candidacy.
The CEC serves as the NRM’s primary decision-making body, consisting of key figures such as the National Chairperson (Museveni), First Vice-Chairperson (Al Hajji Moses Kigongo), Second Vice-Chairperson (Rebecca Kadaga), six regional vice-chairpersons, and the Secretary General, along with other influential members of the party. This leadership group plays a crucial role in guiding the party’s policies and strategies.
President Museveni, meanwhile, has urged NRM leaders to focus on mobilization of Ugandans for some of his programs despite the political season coming up.
Early this week, he urged NRM leaders and supporters to verify their names on the voter register for the 2026 General Elections. He emphasized the importance of updating the registers by removing deceased individuals and adding new voters who have turned 18. This is part of the electoral roadmap announced by the National Electoral Commission for the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government elections.
The Electoral Commission projects an increase in the voter register to over 24 million, with updates scheduled from January 20 to February 10. This period will be pivotal for ensuring the accuracy of voter rolls, which Museveni has emphasized as critical to a fair electoral process.
