Africa-Press – Uganda. MBALE – In a rare twist in Uganda’s political scene, a registered opposition party has stepped out of the shadows after more than two decades — only to declare its support for President Museveni’s 2026 re-election bid.
The Republican Women and Youth Party (RWYP), founded in 2004 and registered as Uganda’s fifth political party, held its maiden press conference in Mbale today, where leaders announced what they call a “deliberative wave” to replace divisive politics with dialogue and national unity.
But their most striking declaration was not the new strategy — it was their endorsement of the incumbent President, in what they termed as a “deliberate vote,” a move that has raised eyebrows because the RWYP is not part of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Speaking during the party’s first-ever press conference in Mbale on August 15, 2025, National Organizing Secretary Paul Butita introduced the party’s top leadership, including Party President and Chairperson Stella Nambuya Bira, founding members Amos Wakateka and Caleb Wakhungu, and legal counsel Martin Wetete.
“This is a national political party with the ambition to take state power,” Butita told reporters. “We are ready to participate in the coming elections with a special package for the nation,” he added before inviting the party’s president.
Bira said the RWYP’s pragmatic approach goes beyond ideology, prioritizing the “practical national interest” and aiming to guide Uganda into a transitional government of national unity.
She accused other political actors of indulging in “politics of deceit, propaganda, fake news, and revenge” and urged Ugandans to embrace reasoned, peaceful debate.
She repeatedly emphasized that the RWYP would support Museveni’s re-election bid, praising him as a leader with “calmness, compassion, courage, and a deep understanding of Uganda’s challenges.”
She cited his achievements in infrastructure, electricity generation, health, regional stability, and refugee policy as evidence of his capability to lead Uganda’s political transition.
She also credited Museveni with protecting religious freedom, reinstating cultural institutions, and promoting African unity — elements she described as pillars of a “political pyramid” for Uganda’s future.
“We have not seen somebody measurable to finish this dream,” she said, adding that Museveni’s leadership is vital for elevating political parties to a level of “serious competition” while maintaining stability.
However, Bira was clear that backing Museveni does not mean dissolving into the NRM.
“Our political independence allows us to speak the truth, even to the leader we support,” she explained. “If we were in the NRM, we would be bound by party discipline. This way, we remain free to champion reforms and hold everyone accountable, while still recognizing the leader who can take Uganda forward.”
On their past low profile, Bira said the RWYP has long been active at lower local government levels, contributing to the National Consultative Forum’s Code of Conduct and peace pledge, while training communities in entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Bira vowed to mobilize the party’s base — especially women and youth — in support of Museveni, while also confirming that the RWYP will field candidates for parliamentary and local government positions, including Butita, who aims to contest the Northern Division parliamentary seat in Mbale City.
“Our mission is country first,” Bira concluded. “Who can help us reach that goal now is Yoweri Kaguta Museveni — but we will walk there as an independent party.”
The Republican Women and Youth Party’s slogan is “One People, One Nation,” and their symbol, a key.
Uganda’s Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Muchunguzi confirmed that RWYP is duly registered.
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