SHOCKING DETAILS; Why CEC Aspirants Are in Cautious Mode as NRM Primaries Take Shape

As Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party officially engages in its internal primary elections, aspirants for positions on the powerful Central Executive Committee (CEC) have entered what many observers describe as “stealth campaign mode.”

While posters of some individuals have been quietly circulated on social media platforms especially WhatsApp groups, the aspirants themselves have opted for silence, calculated restraint, and strategic ambiguity—a common playbook in high-stakes political contests both at home and abroad. Sources say keeping cards close to their chests is strategic.

Calculated Moves

Minders says that in Uganda’s political circles, visibility is often equated with strength, but within the NRM’s internal power dynamics, discretion can be a more potent weapon. CEC aspirants, including Mike Mukula, Calvin Echodu, and Musa Lumumba from the East; Duncan Abigaba, Blaise Kamugisha, and Michael Mawanda from the West; and Hakim Kyeswa, Kiwanda Ssuubi, and Haruna Kasolo from Central Uganda, have largely refrained from loud political statements or direct digital engagement.

Northern Uganda’s race is largely quiet with cameo posters of Dennis Obua and Dan Kidega. Although, Hakim has made sure to put himself in every WhatsApp group, an indication of how important he takes the race.

A source in the political corridors of power, says they are still weighing opitions.

Instead, their support bases are doing the talking—through posters, indirect endorsements, and grassroots mobilization efforts.

“NRM politics is about timing and proximity to power. Those who speak too early risk alienating both their competitors and potential kingmakers,” the source said before adding. “Staying silent allows aspirants to avoid early backlash and maneuver more fluidly. They want ro be sure.”

Art of Political Silence

Political caution in leadership races is not unique to Uganda. Globally, aspirants to top political positions have long employed silence and indirect campaigning as a strategy. In the United States, potential presidential hopefuls often engage in what is called “testing the waters” without formally announcing a run—quietly raising funds, making strategic appearances, and gauging public sentiment through allies. Barack Obama in 2006, before declaring his 2008 run, was notably silent while his surrogates built grassroots momentum.

In China’s opaque political system, party cadres seeking elevation to the Politburo or Standing Committee often engage in discreet lobbying within the Communist Party ranks for months or years before public announcements, if any come at all. Similarly, in Russia, potential successors or challengers to President Vladimir Putin have historically maintained a low profile to avoid appearing overly ambitious in a centralized power system.

Across Africa, the dynamics are no different. In South Africa’s ANC, aspirants for top leadership positions have historically engaged in shadow campaigns and built alliances behind the scenes before formally emerging—often only after securing endorsement from influential provincial blocs or unions.

NRM’s Uncertain Terrain

Within the NRM, the CEC is not merely an administrative body—it is a political nerve center. Comprising some of the most powerful figures in the party, the committee plays a decisive role in setting the tone for national policy, vetting parliamentary and local candidates, and providing ideological direction. Getting elected to the CEC is not just about popularity; it’s about political alignment, perception of loyalty to the party’s top leadership, regional representation, and an understanding of internal currents.

This year’s silent race is also influenced by the looming 2026 general elections and the possible reevaluation of the party’s structure and messaging. Aspirants are conscious that a misstep now—too much noise, controversial statements, or perceived disloyalty—can cost them dearly when the time comes for formal endorsement.

Flood of Posters, Absence of Words

While social media is awash with campaign posters of aspirants, direct engagement from the candidates themselves is rare. The reason? Political survival.

“You let the crowd speak for you. If your campaign gains traction without you saying a word, that’s a signal of strength,” says a youth leader affiliated with one of the candidates. “It’s also deniability—if things go wrong, you can say it wasn’t an official campaign.”

Game of Timing and Trust

With the NRM’s roadmap for internal elections yet to be fully revealed, the current caution is also a hedge against uncertainty. As political scientist Dr. Sarah Muwanga notes,

“These are aspirants navigating a highly personalized political system. They must read signals from State House, monitor the behavior of influential power brokers, and avoid being caught on the wrong side of emerging factional lines.”

Sources say, ultimately, the silent campaign is not about weakness, it’s about wisdom. The aspirants understand that in the NRM, the loudest voice is not always the most successful one. Sometimes, the path to power is paved quietly, one calculated step at a time.