The paradox of power: NRM party dominates amidst internal decay

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OPINION

By Arthur Nuwagaba

For nearly four decades, Uganda’s political landscape has been indelibly shaped by the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the party led by President Yoweri Museveni since 1986.

With an overwhelming majority in Parliament, control of local councils nationwide, and a chairperson who has held power for 39 years, the NRM’s dominance appears unshakable. Yet beneath this facade of strength lies a party riddled with contradictions -internal strife, corruption, and factionalism threaten its cohesion, even as citizens cling to it for lack of alternatives. 

The NRM’s organisational reach is undeniable. Its leaders occupy nearly every tier of governance, from village councils to the highest legislative office-parliament. This structural dominance has cemented its image as Uganda’s only viable political vehicle. However, the party’s internal dynamics tell a different story. Infighting, character assassination, intrigue and blackmail have become routine. Ambitious leaders jostle for influence, often prioritising personal gain over party unity. Greed and corruption fester, with many officials clinging to multiple positions to consolidate power and resources. For example, someone may be an MP, Minister and a CEC member or a District NRM Chairperson.

Regional cliques further erode solidarity. In every region, there are NRM barons who are aggressively resisting emerging leaders perceived as threats to their fiefdoms. These power struggles create instability, undermining the party’s ability to have competent party leaders. It will not be far from the truth to describe the NRM party as a coalition of competing interests rather than a united front. Regional kingpins prioritise control over collaboration, weakening the party’s grassroots appeal.

Decades of unchallenged rule have bred complacency. Corruption scandals, selfishness, and a culture of impunity have eroded public trust. Yet the NRM’s electoral machinery remains formidable, fueled by patronage networks and state resources. For many Ugandans, supporting the NRM party is less about loyalty and more about survival.

The NRM isn’t perfect, but what’s the alternative? Opposition parties are fragmented. They promise change, but can’t even agree among themselves. This sentiment underscores a harsh reality: Uganda’s opposition remains hamstrung by infighting, limited reach, and selfishness. The NRM capitalises on this vacuum, positioning itself as the sole guarantor of stability. Meanwhile, internal decay continues. Officials accused of embezzlement or abuse are rarely held accountable, perpetuating a cycle of cynicism. 

The paradox of the NRM lies in its ability to retain support despite its flaws. For ordinary Ugandans, the party represents continuity in a region plagued by chaos. President Museveni’s legacy as a “liberator” who ended years of civil war still resonates, especially among older generations. Yet younger voters, facing unemployment and stifled engagement and recognition, grow increasingly disillusioned. 

The metaphor of “swallowing fire and vomiting sweetness” captures this duality. The NRM’s bitter internal battles and systemic rot are endured because the alternatives seem unpalatable or impractical. Until opposition parties build credible coalitions and articulate a clear vision, the NRM’s decline may remain slow, uneven, and fraught with contradictions. 

The NRM’s future hinges on addressing its internal rot. Can it reform from within, curbing corruption and nurturing inclusive leadership? Will they have free and fair primary elections?  Or will its fractures deepen, creating opportunities for opposition resurgence? The answers will shape Uganda’s political trajectory.  For now, the NRM remains a party that is both empowered and endangered by its own dominance. Its leaders may fight among themselves, but in the eyes of many Ugandans, it is still the only fire they know- one that burns, yet somehow keeps the cold at bay.

The writer is an NRM Cadre and PhD Candidate in Business Administration