NRM CEC seats: Lobbying intensifies ahead of voting

___________________

Intense lobbying and behind-the-scenes tactical manoeuvring are underway as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) bosses prepare for the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections later this month.

New Vision Online has learnt that some NRM top leaders are trying to reach a consensus and root for negotiated deals to select the candidates for election to avoid splitting the party through fractious campaigns.

This comes as factional wars over the polls scheduled for August 27-28, 2025, at Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala rock the party in a changing power terrain.

A total of 290 candidates are competing for at least 80 seats on CEC, which is the de facto nucleus of political decision-making in Uganda.

These positions include the 1st national vice-chairperson, 2nd national vice-chairperson (female) and six vice chairpersons representing the regions of east, central, north, west, Kampala and Karamoja.

However, the fiercest fighting that extends far beyond party lines is between the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, and the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga.

Among, who is backed by former power brokers such as the former prime minister Amama Mbabazi and former foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa, wants to remove Kadaga from the position of the 2nd national vice chairperson (female).

The Speaker’s camp also includes the Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, former MP Captain Mike Mukula and sports state minister Peter Ogwang.

“The Right Honourable Rebecca Kadaga, you have done your part, your value is known by this party. For your record, for your dignity, it would not be good for us to take you to the voters,” Ogwang recently implored Kadaga.

Young Turks enter the fray

As Among and Kadaga continue to battle to cement their status, especially in the eastern region, the Young Turks of the party are eager to cause an election upset.

They include the 37-year-old Eng Jonard Asiimwe, who is among the 11 candidates vying for the position of the party’s vice chairperson for western region, currently occupied by Dr Chris Baryomunsi, the ICT Minister and Kinkizi East MP.

Asiimwe, who is also the NRM candidate for Hoima East Division, sees himself as a bridge-builder between the older and younger generations in the country.

“I offer myself as a bridge between generations, a symbol of loyalty to the past and a torchbearer for Uganda’s future. I want to unify the vision of our elders with the aspirations of today’s youth,” he said.

Baryomunsi’s other main rivals include President Yoweri Museveni’s brother, Sedrack Nzaire, and Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, who says he wants to bring “new blood” in CEC to promote the party.

“I’m a member of NRM but also a member of Patriotic League of Uganda. We shall not put our heads in the sand as if as at any one time we shall not be looking at the component of transition. So, I’m coming in to ensure that we have a peaceful and orderly transition when time comes,” Mawanda said.

Analysts say the entry of Museveni’s brother suggests that even the First Family is keen on a hold on strategic levers within the ruling party.

Nzaire, who has been serving as the NRM chairman for Kiruhura district, said he is a patriotic leader, a trusted negotiator, and a loyal cadre committed to the social transformation of the people.

He also argued that his position and dedication as NRM district chairman for the past 15 years has enabled him to always have easy access and a strong relationship with President Museveni, who is also the party’s national chairman.

Analysts say the stiff competition for the top seats is a reflection of both the enduring centrality of the NRM in Uganda’s political life and the growing undercurrents of transition politics.

According to the agenda of the first meeting of the 4th NRM national conference at Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds, the national executive council will make a presentation of names of its recommended persons for election of the CEC positions.