PLU declares full support for NRM as Museveni secures nomination
PLU National vice-chairperson Michael Nuwagira, also known as Toyota, said their civic organisation and supporters of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba would throw their weight behind NRM.
NRM and PLU pledged to deliver over 80 per cent of the vote for President Museveni in the 2026 General Election, announcing a joint mobilisation strategy to secure a landslide victory.( Photos by Simon Peter Tumwine)
By Nelson Mandela Muhoozi
Journalists @New Vision
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The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has formally declared its support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, pledging to rally behind the ruling party as it prepares for the 2026 general elections.
Speaking at Kololo Independence Grounds, where President Museveni held a grand rally after he was officially nominated as the NRM flagbearer today, September 23, 2025, PLU National vice-chairperson Michael Nuwagira, also known as Toyota, said their civic organisation and supporters of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba would throw their weight behind NRM.
“PLU and all its members are ready to support President Museveni and all NRM flag-bearers. We call upon our members across the country to work together and ensure the president wins again,” Nuwagira said, stressing that discipline within the NRM ranks must be upheld.
The declaration signals a unification of forces within the ruling establishment, easing earlier speculation that PLU, widely seen as sympathetic to the First Son, could chart an independent political course.
Earlier declaration
A day earlier, NRM and PLU pledged to deliver over 80 per cent of the vote for President Museveni in the 2026 General Election, announcing a joint mobilisation strategy to secure a landslide victory.
The two groups committed during a joint media briefing at the NRM Secretariat in Kampala, where NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and PLU secretary general Daudi Kabanda.
Todwong rallies unity, warns against independents
Todwong today hailed the president’s leadership, saying the party owed its strength and survival to Museveni’s decades of guidance.
“The victory of NRM is a victory of all Ugandans. We shall soon launch our Manifesto Document to consolidate the gains achieved. Those planning to stand as independents should reconsider—it is the party’s election, and we must move as one,” Todwong said.
He urged members to avoid internal divisions, noting that the NRM’s unity was critical to sustaining its achievements in peace, security, and development.
Rugunda: Museveni is a Tested Leader
Former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, who formally nominated Museveni on behalf of the party, praised the president’s legacy of struggle and state-building.
“I have known President Museveni since childhood and we have worked together on many ventures. He liberated Uganda from dictatorship, lifted the country from a dungeon, and spearheaded infrastructure development. On the economic front, he has empowered many groups,” Rugunda said.
He called Museveni a “tested leader” deserving another mandate, adding: “We shall work hard to ensure you win again.”
Leaders emphasise unity beyond identity politics
Senior NRM members who participated in the nomination congratulated the president, describing the event as proof of the enduring bond between Museveni and the Ugandan people.
“This nomination is a testament that the covenant between you and the people of Uganda still stands. It is time to consolidate this effort and desist from politics of identity and religion,” they said.
Among, Kigongo and women leaders Back Museveni
Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among said Ugandan women were mobilised and committed to ensuring Museveni’s victory.
“As women, we are ready to give you 80 per cent of the vote. We want to thank you for accepting to be our candidate,” Among said to loud cheers.
NRM First vice-chairperson Moses Kigongo also expressed gratitude to supporters but issued a stern warning to those who lost in party primaries and were considering contesting as independents.
“For those with the NRM flag, victory is assured. But those who stand as independents after losing primaries should not return to disturb the party afterwards,” Kigongo said.