The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has formally thrown its weight behind President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as its National Chairman and Presidential Flag Bearer for the 2026 general elections, cementing his position at the helm of the party he has led since its inception.
The decision came during a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC), where Museveni also presented resolutions from the Central Executive Committee (CEC).
“I want to appreciate the NRM for endorsing me once again as your National Chairman and Presidential Flag Bearer,” Museveni declared.
“The Movement has ensured peace and stability in Uganda through our principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, democracy, and socio-economic transformation.”
Highlighting the party’s economic record, he added: “Since 1986, the economy has expanded 17 times, and our mission remains to ensure every household joins the money economy.”
But beyond endorsing the President, the NEC also moved to nominate candidates for NRM Vice Chairpersons, key positions that will shape the party’s internal balance of power.
The names will be subjected to a vote at the upcoming National Delegates Conference, where over 10,000 party delegates are expected to convene.
“The endorsement of the Chairman is a signal of unity,” one senior party official said after the meeting. “But the contest for Vice Chairpersons will be closely watched, because it speaks to the broader question of succession and regional representation within the Movement.”
Analysts note that the nominations mark the start of an intense period of internal maneuvering as the NRM seeks to project cohesion while preparing its campaign machine for 2026.