NRM’s CEC elections signal fresh leadership anchored in legacy

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OPINION

By Habibu Sseruwagi

The recently concluded Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have stirred a whirlwind of debate, particularly around the theme of stability. With nearly all senior members exiting the top organ—save for National Chairman President Yoweri Museveni and Vice Chairman Hajji Moses Kigongo—some observers have raised concerns about continuity and cohesion. Yet, beneath the surface of this transition lies a story of renewal, resilience, and remarkable opportunity.

The infusion of new blood into the CEC is not a rupture, but a renaissance. It signals the emergence of a new generation of leaders poised to carry forward the party’s legacy with fresh energy and innovative thinking. Among the newly elected are individuals whose careers have already left indelible marks on Uganda’s political and administrative landscape.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, who secured the Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) seat with a commanding 92.8% of the vote, exemplifies this new wave of leadership. Her victory over former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga was not merely a personal triumph—it was a testament to the confidence the party places in her ability to galvanise support and articulate the NRM’s vision.

Similarly, the Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, now National Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, brings a wealth of experience in legislative coordination and youth mobilisation.

Dr Calvin Echodu, who clinched the Eastern Region seat following Capt. Mike Mukula’s withdrawal and endorsement is another standout figure whose background in public health and community development adds a vital dimension to the party’s strategic arsenal.

Minister Haruna Kasolo, known for his grassroots economic empowerment initiatives, rounds out a cohort of leaders whose credentials reflect both competence and commitment.

While the departure of long-serving CEC members may appear abrupt, it is important to recognise that these individuals remain integral to the party’s broader machinery. Their continued membership ensures that institutional memory and mentorship will not be lost.

In fact, their new role as elder statespersons within the NRM offers a unique opportunity to guide and shape the perspectives of incoming leaders. This intergenerational synergy—where experience meets enthusiasm—could well be the party’s most potent asset heading into the 2026 elections.

At the heart of this transition stands President Museveni and Hajji Moses Kigongo, two of Uganda’s most seasoned and visionary political figures. Their unopposed retention as National Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, is more than symbolic; it is a stabilising force.

President Museveni’s address at the Delegates Conference underscored his commitment to party cohesion and his vision for Uganda’s economic transformation. “NRM has been able to keep peace here for the last 40 years.

This may be the first time in 600 years that this area has had peace continuously,” he remarked, reminding delegates of the foundational principles that have guided the party through decades of change.

Kigongo, a senior cadre since 1980, continues to serve as a bridge between the party’s revolutionary roots and its contemporary aspirations. His presence in the CEC offers reassurance to both veterans and newcomers, anchoring the organ in a legacy of discipline and ideological clarity.

The elections themselves were a vivid demonstration of the NRM’s democratic vitality. The intense competition, which saw high-profile contests such as Among vs. Kadaga and Obua vs. regional rivals, reflected the party’s expansive base and the depth of its internal talent pool.

According to the NRM Electoral Commission, over 3,000 delegates participated in the week-long conference at Kololo Independence Grounds, a turnout that speaks volumes about the party’s organisational strength and grassroots reach.

Even controversies surrounding alleged voter bribery and delegate manipulation, while concerning, underscore the high stakes and passionate engagement within the party. Engineer Joseph Sewava, a former aspirant for Vice Chairperson Buganda Region, called for investigations into the alleged use of sh5b to influence votes. While such claims merit scrutiny, they also highlight the seriousness with which candidates approached the contest—a reflection of the prestige and influence associated with CEC positions.

Moreover, the willingness of candidates like Sewava and Collins Bukenya to initiate reconciliation efforts between winners and losers is a promising sign of unity. “We will voluntarily traverse the country and attempt to reconcile CEC winners and losers so that they can work together and push for the aspirations of the party,” Sewava stated.

This spirit of collaboration bodes well for the NRM’s internal cohesion and its ability to present a united front in the upcoming general elections.

The broader implication of these elections is clear: the NRM remains a formidable political force, deeply rooted in Uganda’s socio-political fabric. The party’s ability to regenerate its leadership while retaining its ideological anchors is a rare feat in African politics. It sends a powerful message to the opposition—that the NRM is not a monolith of ageing elites but a dynamic movement capable of evolving with the times.

As Uganda approaches a pivotal electoral season, the new CEC stands as both a symbol and a strategy. It embodies the NRM’s commitment to renewal, its respect for legacy, and its readiness to confront the challenges of governance with a fresh mandate. With Museveni and Kigongo at the helm, and a cadre of accomplished leaders stepping into key roles, the party is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of modern leadership while staying true to its foundational values.

In the end, the 2025 CEC elections may be remembered not for who exited, but for who emerged—and for the promise they hold in shaping Uganda’s future.

The writer is a member of the Equal Opportunity Commission of Uganda