President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has moved to calm tensions within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) after controversy marred the Youth League elections at the ongoing Delegates Conference at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Museveni, who is also the NRM National Chairman, directed that the Youth League elections be postponed and conducted on a separate date alongside those of the Entrepreneurs League.
The directive was issued on Wednesday morning through a phone call with the NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, which was later relayed live to the delegates through the public address system.
Overnight Controversy
The decision followed a night of sharp disagreements among delegates over the voting process for the NRM Youth League Chairperson which many say was marred by irregularities.
Critics accused the Commission of attempting to manipulate the outcome, sparking discontent and heated exchanges on the conference floor.
According to party insiders, the dispute threatened to derail the day’s proceedings, prompting SG Todwong to seek urgent guidance from the President before the situation escalated further.
Museveni Steps In
In his message to delegates, Museveni revealed that he had consulted with the Attorney General before arriving at the decision.
He noted that the polls will now be held together with the Entrepreneurs League elections, which were suspended earlier in the week due to irregularities.
“I have decided that the Youth League and Entrepreneurs League elections be conducted on the same day. On that day, I will personally be in charge to ensure fairness and transparency,” Museveni said, drawing applause from sections of delegates who welcomed the intervention.
Entrepreneurs League Dispute
The Entrepreneurs League Chairperson elections had already been halted on Monday after candidates raised complaints of malpractice and procedural flaws. By merging the two exercises, Museveni said the party would streamline the process and restore confidence in its internal electoral system.
Preserving Party Unity
The President’s directive is seen as an attempt to preserve harmony in the party’s youth structures ahead of the 2026 general elections. Analysts note that the NRM youth wing plays a critical role in mobilization, and any fractures at this stage could have wider political implications.
Meanwhile, party officials say preparations will begin immediately for the new joint election date, which will be communicated in due course.
With Museveni’s personal involvement assured, many delegates expressed hope that the exercise will now proceed smoothly, though questions linger over the Electoral Commission’s handling of internal polls.
