The Kololo Ceremonial Grounds became the centre of political activity on Wednesday as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) held its National Delegates Conference, drawing delegates from across the country for a high-stakes leadership selection process.
President Yoweri Museveni was endorsed unopposed as NRM National Chairperson, alongside Hajji Moses Kigongo who retained his position as First National Vice Chairperson without contest.
In the Western Region, Engineer Jonard Asiimwe defeated incumbent Chris Baryomunsi with 4,044 votes (58.9%) against Baryomunsi’s 2,303 votes (33.6%). In the Eastern Region, long-time leader Mike Mukula withdrew from the race, endorsing David Calvin Echodu who was then declared unopposed.
Buganda region saw incumbents Godfrey Kiwanda, Eng. Joseph Sewava, and Hakim Kyeswa step aside. Haruna Kasolo triumphed over Fred Kalangwa in the resulting race and was declared the new Vice Chairperson for the region.
In Northern Uganda, Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua beat out Sam Engola and Daniel Fred Kidega to claim the Vice Chairperson position. For Kampala Region, Kampala Mayor Salim Uhuru was declared winner, while Lokii John Baptist won in the Karamoja Region.
Former government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo was elected NRM flagbearer for Member of Parliament representing Older Persons in the Eastern Region, defeating Minister Dominic Gidudu Mafabi.
In a major upset, Security Minister Gen Jim Muhwezi lost the race for CEC National Chairperson of the Veterans League to retired Lt. Moses Mushabe.
President Museveni suspended elections for the NRM Entrepreneurs League amid allegations of bribery and procedural irregularities involving Hassan Basajjabalaba and Ceasar Mulenga. The decision is pending further investigation.
Other league elections concluded with Adrine Kobusingye elected National Chairperson of the NRM Women’s League; Arinaitwe Rwakajara winning as Workers MP flagbearer and Chairperson of the Workers League; Shafik Mwanje securing victory as Chairperson of the PWDs League; and Penina Busingye Kabingani elected as Chairperson of the Elders’ League.
The outcomes of this conference are expected to shape the NRM’s internal landscape as it moves towards the 2026 general elections.
