President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been nominated unopposed to contest for both the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party chairmanship and as the party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2026 general elections.
Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, confirmed Museveni’s sole candidacy after he fulfilled all the nomination requirements.
These included submitting a complete set of nomination forms, valid bank payment slips, and verified endorsements from at least 151 districts across the country.
“The aspirant is one, and it is President Museveni,” Odoi announced during the nomination event.
He revealed that another individual who attempted to contest failed to meet the minimum criteria, including lacking even a nominator or seconder and submitting only one nomination form instead of two.
“NRM is not for theatre. The drama is nearby,” Odoi said, dismissing the failed attempt as unserious.
Museveni was first nominated for the NRM national chairperson position at 1:52 p.m. by Alhaji Moses Kigongo, the NRM First National Vice Chairperson.
He was later nominated as the party’s presidential flagbearer at 2:10 p.m. by Hajji Shafick Mwanje, the NRM District Chairperson for Bukomansimbi.
The presidential nomination was seconded by Masturah Namatovu, the NRM Women’s League Secretary for Publicity from Kamuli Municipality.
During the event, Mwanje praised Museveni for his leadership, particularly in supporting persons with disabilities and promoting socio-economic transformation.
He described the President as “an angel” and “a son of God.” Namatovu also applauded Museveni for empowering women economically through government programs.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong presented a Certificate of Compliance, signed by Dr. Odoi, confirming that Museveni had met all legal and party requirements to contest for both positions.
Col. Tom Butiime, Chairperson of the NRM Historical Leaders Forum and MP for Kyenjojo District, also endorsed Museveni, crediting him for maintaining peace and stability, strengthening the economy, and promoting civil liberties.
“He is still physically fit, mentally sharp, and capable of leading for another five years and beyond,” Butiime said.
Engineer Smith Tumwebaze, the NRM Youth Chairperson for Ntungamo Municipality, seconded the nomination, citing Museveni’s impact on youth livelihoods through initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and Universal Primary Education (UPE).
Marian Faith Asiengo from Adjumani District echoed similar sentiments, noting sustained peace in Northern Uganda under Museveni’s leadership, with notable improvements in transport and local commerce.
Other seconders included Kampala District Youth Councilor Allan Mwesige, youth representatives from Jinja, and several NRM historical members who attended the nomination.
Dr. Odoi also provided an update on the party’s internal elections. The Eastern Region has fielded nine candidates for Central Executive Committee (CEC) positions, while the Western Region has eleven.
The NRM Youth League has attracted 71 candidates, and the Women’s League has registered 38 aspirants.
Campaigns for MP and LC5 party flagbearers are set to conclude on July 14, with voting scheduled for July 17. Campaigns for LC5 chairperson and mayoral positions will end on July 22, ahead of polling on July 24.
In a somber moment, Odoi disclosed that one of the party’s registrars in Pallisa District had been murdered and would be laid to rest the following day.
He appealed to President Museveni to authorize the recruitment of independent and secure registrars, especially in politically volatile districts such as Kibaale, Kagadi, Tororo County, and Namutumba, where NRM offices have been closed due to political interference.
“Registrars must be allowed to operate without pressure from local politicians in order to ensure free and fair internal party processes,” Odoi emphasized.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong also expressed concern over increasing violence within the party and urged the President to intervene.
“To tame the violence, some undisciplined individuals should be dismissed from the party,” Todwong said.
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