The just-concluded NRM CEC elections at Kololo Independence Grounds have reshaped Uganda’s ruling party, sweeping away long-serving incumbents and ushering in new faces. Out of 14 positions, only President Yoweri Museveni, the national chairperson, and his deputy Moses Kigongo retained their seats. The rest fell to newcomers, marking the most dramatic turnover in years.
Delegates voted in new regional vice chairpersons and a female national vice chairperson in a contest that attracted more than 23,000 participants. While some incumbents blamed intimidation and voter bribery, analysts argue the outcome reflects inevitable generational change.
“This should signal to the old guard that change is coming,” warned Dr Juma Kakuba Sultan of Kyambogo University. “We are sitting on a time bomb. Leaders must consider peaceful transition or risk chaos.” Makerere University’s Prof Sabiti Makara agreed, calling the development “a generational shift within the NRM” that could shape Uganda’s political transition.
PLU Influence and Speculation
Multiple insiders said the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), linked to First Son and CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, played a key role in shaping the elections. For instance, Kyeyune Kasolo, PLU coordinator for Greater Masaka, won the central region vice chairperson seat. Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua also secured the northern region slot, a win celebrated by Gen Muhoozi on social media.
Some observers, including MP Paulson Luttamaguzi, believe the results reveal a silent transition. “PLU took over the CEC elections. We see Museveni preparing his son to take over,” he said. However, Presidential Press Secretary Sandor Walusimbi dismissed the claims as “baseless,” stressing that Museveni remains committed to serving all Ugandans.
Speaker Anita Among delivered the most stunning upset by defeating former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga for the female vice chairperson slot, winning nearly 93 percent of the vote. Analysts point to her growing ties with pro-Muhoozi groups, with some interpreting her victory as further evidence of PLU’s rising influence.
Mixed Reactions Among Analysts
Not everyone sees succession politics at play. Analyst Yusuf Sserunkuma argued that Museveni merely replaced old loyalists with younger ones. “NRM is Museveni, and Museveni is NRM. What we saw was weeding out the old and recruiting new energy to deliver Museveni’s 2026 agenda,” he said.
Others caution that money and patronage remain central. Dr Sultan warned that the politics of money has eroded democratic values, and unless controlled, it could worsen during the 2026 elections.
Election Results at a Glance
- Anita Among defeated Rebecca Kadaga for 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female) with 11,680 votes.
- Jonard Asiimwe edged out ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi in the west with 4,044 votes.
- David Calvin Echodu triumphed in the east with 5,211 votes after Mike Mukula’s withdrawal.
- Denis Hamson Obua clinched the north with 3,591 votes.
- Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo narrowly beat Moses Karangwa in the central region.
- Salim Saad Uhuru won Kampala’s vice chairperson seat.
- John Baptist Lookii emerged victorious in Karamoja.
The sweeping victories eliminated veteran figures who had long dominated the ruling party’s decision-making body.
Succession: Genius or Dynasty?
For some, Museveni’s strategy reflects political genius. By surrounding his son with contemporaries, he may be laying groundwork for a seamless generational handover. Supporters hail this as foresight, proof that Museveni plays the long game.
Critics, however, see dynastic politics. They argue that Uganda’s institutions are being hollowed out and reshaped to serve a family project rather than national progress.
Whatever the interpretation, the NRM CEC elections reinforced Museveni’s hold on the ruling party while raising new questions about Uganda’s future. The real test, analysts note, is not whether Muhoozi ascends, but whether Uganda emerges stronger or more fragile when politics is built on individuals rather than institutions.
The NRM CEC elections have reshaped the ruling party and reignited debate over succession, generational change, and the future of Uganda’s politics. Whether this moment represents political strategy or dynastic consolidation, the outcome has set the stage for 2026 and beyond.
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