Retired generals contesting in NRM primaries

Uganda’s 2026 general election season is gaining momentum and this time, it comes with more retired army generals declaring their interest in taking political offices. 

At least five retired Uganda People’s Defence Forces generals participated in today’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries, vying for parliamentary seats in different parts of the country.

Generals in primaries 

Gen. Moses Ali, a veteran politician and former First Deputy Prime Minister, eyed to return as Adjumani MP. 

Lt. Gen Henry Tumukunde, a former presidential candidate and security minister, joined the race for Rukungiri Municipality MP, hoping to build a strong local political base in the district. 

Maj. Gen Kahinda Otafiire, the internal affairs minister, who is also a bush war veteran, contested again for Ruhinda county. 

Maj. Gen Jim Muhwezi, the current security minister and a politician from Rujumbura Constituency, is seeking another term. 

Muhwezi, who said this is his last term, was one of the key figures watched in the NRM primaries. 

Maj. Gen Emmanuel Rwashande declared his intention to run for Lwemiyaga Constituency. In a hotly contested race, Rwashande faced the incumbent, Theodore Sekikubo. 

Their contest was among those to watch, as their district (Sembabule) had already been flagged by security as a hotspot. 

The primaries today, were more than just NRM party elections; were a real test of grassroots support for the contestants. From Rukungiri to Adjumani, NRM supporters lined up to choose who will carry the party flag in next year’s general election.

Analysts weigh in 

Political analysts said the rising number of retired generals joining politics shows that the army remains a major force in Uganda’s politics. 

While some critics raise questions about the involvement of military men in civilian governance, others say their military background comes with stability, discipline, experience, and national loyalty. 

Makerere University don Prof. Mwambutsya Ndebesa said the entry of military generals into politics is no surprise and it reflects the long-standing connection between the NRM and the National Resistance Army (NRA). 

“This is NRM/NRA fused, because most of them are not joining the opposition,” he said, adding that most generals who are no longer serving in the army are appointed to senior government positions. 

“Apart from Mugisha Muntu, who refused the appointment, the rest are either ministers or even permanent secretaries,” he noted. 

To Ndebesa, it is now normal for retired generals to contest for elective positions “because the military is part of the executive.” 

Charles Rwomushana, a political analyst, echoed similar sentiments. “Generals are essentially politicians. If they managed to risk their lives for the country, then they can also politically serve it,” he said. 

Rwomushana added that their experience in national security gives them a deep understanding of the country’s needs and direction.