President Yoweri Museveni who is also the NRM National Chairman has today picked nomination forms expressing interest to contest again for the positions of the party National Chairman and Presidential flag bearer for 2026 elections.
Museveni was issued forms by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi as members of the party Central Executive Committee, ministers, senior leaders and thousands of supporters cheered up.
In the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet Museveni, President Museveni said the decision to contest was informed by the love and support he has received from the NRM fraternity during upcountry tours.
“I thank the NRM fraternity for the love and support you have shown me while I was moving around the country. It energized me to take up the mantle to lead the country for the next five years,” Museveni said.
The NRM Chairman said the country is now on the right trajectory. We are embracing the knowledge economy based on science. You can see the vehicles that we are making here, the vaccines, computers and so on,” he said.
“In this coming term, I will make sure that we really move into value addition like sugar production, coffee processing and other products,” he remarked.
The Head of state committed to eliminating corruption in the next term if elected so as “to get the best out of the money we have to develop our country.”
Politics of identity
President Museveni discouraged Ugandans against politics of identity as he advised the leaders to concentrate on the politics of ideology.
“NRM is a party based on issues, policies, and principles. I want to remind my NRM people that what we are engaged in is the politics of issues and policies. Avoid wasting time as individuals and focus on strengthening the party, and we move as a force,” Museveni said.
He told leaders to prioritize patriotism and love for Africa “our motherland.”
He reiterated the message of fronting issues other than personal endeavors and selfish interests from individuals.
The President asked the district chairpersons of the NRM to maintain neutral positions during the upcoming primaries “let the people elect the people they want.”
The NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong said he was happy to receive the President because Ugandans were very much concerned.
“Many Ugandans from across the country had started to petition my office requesting the president to stand again,” Todwon said.
He also reported to the party chairman that a clean membership register was in place ahead of internal elections.
“I report to you that the party is growing. As of the last registration of members. The party grew to twenty million members,” Mr Todwong said, noting that “As we grow in numbers and strength, cohesion is very key for the party going forward.”
The NRM Electoral Commission, Dr. Tanga Odoi thanked the President for respecting the commission by personally picking the nomination forms.
Odoi announced that President Museveni will be returning to the party headquarters next week on Saturday 5th July for nomination for both positions.
The function was also attended by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), members of the NRM top management, Ministers, and MPs among other party leaders.