Museveni nomination ignites Kololo rally

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Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala city is today, September 23, 2025, alive with roars, music and an atmosphere of jubilation.

The buzz follows President Yoweri Museveni's nomination as a presidential candidate for the 2026 General Election. The incumbent President, who is the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag-bearer, is expected to arrive for his nomination rally.

At Kololo, supporters clad in yellow flood the grounds. In every wave, in every chant calling out “NRM!”

From Lubowa to Kololo

President Museveni (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Earlier in the day, Museveni was formally nominated by the Electoral Commission (EC) at its Wakiso district, Lubowa-based headquarters. The process was brief but symbolically heavy: Documents in hand, supporters behind him, the machinery of state and party converging. His campaign slogan: Protecting the Gains was laid out as the rallying cry for what is to come.

President Museveni with the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports together with NRM National Vice Chairman Haji Moses Kigongo. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

The President spoke of transformation, of working with the middle class, attracting foreign investment, moving Uganda from being a lower–middle–income country to high–middle country, inching toward first world.

The stage and the symbols

As the President approaches Kololo, the scene is deeply choreographed: Musicians on stage singing praise, crowds chanting slogans, yellow banners everywhere, voices lifted in unison. It’s not just support — it’s a public affirmation of power. PLU (Patriotic League of Uganda) members have joined in a joint mobilisation with NRM, pledging to secure a landslide victory, even setting an ambitious target of over 80% of the vote.

NRM’s official colour: Yellow, fills the air, the streets and the sky. The music pulses. The artistes perform songs of praise, not just for Museveni, but for the longtime NRM rule, for his achievements, for the promise of continuity. Chants echo, “NRM! NRM!” — as much invocation, as much assertion.

Among those at Kololo are legislators who expressed confidence that Museveni’s candidacy is a reaffirmation of the NRM’s long grip on Uganda’s political landscape.

Napak Woman MP Faith Nakut dismissed any notion of uncertainty.

“We don’t expect surprises this time round,” she said.

“The NRM is more prepared now than ever before. The campaign structures are in place, and the process is going to run smoothly.”

Her view was echoed by Adjumani District Woman MP Jessica Ababiku, who declared the election outcome a foregone conclusion.

"We are set as NRM. We will support the president and mobilise for his votes. To us, it’s already a done deal,” she said.

“President Museveni has won the hearts of more people, and every day his numbers are growing.”

Abim District Woman MP Janet Grace Okech Okori-Moe framed her support around gratitude and continuity.

“We believe President Museveni should continue as head of state to concretise the gains achieved so far,” she said, singling out women’s empowerment as one of his defining legacies. “He has been parental, he has supported us, and he is still fit to lead Uganda.”