Africa-Press – Uganda. The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) on Thursday opened the race for positions on its powerful Central Executive Committee (CEC), setting in motion the party’s internal reorganisation ahead of the 2026 general elections.
At least 60 aspirants submitted their forms on the first day, marking a charged beginning to what could be a competitive internal contest.
According to NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Tanga Odoi, the nomination exercise is open to all eligible members except for two positions: Party Chairperson and Presidential Flagbearer, which remain exclusively reserved for President Museveni.
“President Museveni will personally pick nomination forms for both the party chairmanship and the presidency on Saturday. No other member should attempt to collect or submit forms for these positions,” Odoi told reporters at the party headquarters in Kampala.
The restriction is in line with a 2019 CEC resolution that ring-fenced both roles for the long-serving party leader, effectively shielding him from internal challenge as he eyes a fresh mandate in 2026.
While Museveni’s hold on the party’s top positions remains unchallenged, the rest of the CEC structure has attracted stiff competition.
Senior party figures including Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo, Mike Mukula, Singh Katongole, and Kiwanda Suubi are all seeking to retain their positions, but face challenges from a younger generation of aspirants.
Among the notable new entrants is Kampala Central Mayor Salim Uhuru, who is eyeing the Vice Chairperson slot for Kampala Region.
Also joining the race is businessman Sanjay Tana, who is vying for the Secretary for Entrepreneurship role.
Many of the younger candidates argue that the time has come for fresh leadership within the NRM, asserting that long-serving members have had their moment and must now give way to new energy and ideas.
In parallel with the CEC race, the party is also receiving nomination forms from prospective parliamentary flagbearers.
Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Minsa Kabanda picked her forms to contest in Kampala, with her two would-be challengers reportedly stepping down in favour of party unity.
Minister David Bahati also declared his intention to seek re-election in Kasese District.
As the internal processes unfold, NRM leaders say the exercise is not only a show of internal democracy, but also a signal of the party’s readiness for the 2026 polls.
Fresh entrants and incumbents alike are now preparing for what promises to be a rigorous internal selection ahead of national campaigns.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
