President Museveni has commended members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the Buganda region who, despite losing in the recent party primaries, have pledged to support the elected flag bearers.
Addressing them at State House Entebbe, the president praised this decision as a sign of political maturity and commitment to party unity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“I congratulate you, and I see the spirit of the National Resistance Army (NRA) returning. Go back and support the flag bearers,” the president urged, commending the losing candidates for prioritising the party over personal ambition.
Museveni highlighted that the NRM’s performance in Buganda has historically been weakened by internal divisions.
“You hear that NRM MPs in Buganda have been 31 out of 105, but in about 29 constituencies, the NRM had a majority. Had you not split your votes, the NRM could have secured 60 seats instead of 31,” he observed.
The meeting was attended by NRM cadres from Buganda, many of whom lost in the primaries but unanimously agreed to back their successful counterparts.
Museveni cautioned against the risks of disunity, drawing parallels with Uganda’s turbulent political past. “Not supporting the NRM is very risky; the country could descend into chaos if those who reject national unity lead,” he warned.
He recalled the aftermath of the 1980 elections, when divisions between the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and the Democratic Party (DP) fuelled armed conflict.
“When we came, we tried to persuade them to embrace unity under the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF). They refused, attempting to revive DP and UPC. Had they agreed, there would have been no war from 1981 to 1986,” he reflected.
Museveni stressed that political actors’ primary duty is to ensure stability, without which development cannot thrive. He argued that supporting the NRM is not merely about political loyalty but about securing peace, growth, and socio-economic transformation.
“Supporting the NRM ensures stability and paves the way for progress. You can see factories emerging in Matugga, Kawempe, and Namanve,” he said, noting Uganda’s growing industrial base relies on broader markets. “We’re not just selling products in Uganda but in East Africa, South Sudan, and Congo,” he added.
“It’s politics of purpose, not positions or groups,” President Museveni said, urging cadres to shun self-interest.
The President warned against engaging in politics without a clear ideological foundation, describing it as “a grave danger.” He noted that even the restoration of cultural institutions was done with deliberate boundaries.
“We made it clear: cultural institutions can be restored, but they must stay out of politics. Administrative and legislative powers rest with the people. Everything is documented and deliberate,” he said.
He encouraged cadres to align with the NRM’s foundational goals. “If you’re clear about these principles, disputes over positions become trivial. You can sit down, discuss, and choose the best leader among you,” he advised.
Drawing an analogy to medical practice, President Museveni likened politics to diagnosing problems and prescribing solutions. Reflecting on the fight against Idi Amin, he said some thought they opposed Amin solely for his brutality. Even if he hadn’t killed anyone,he said, they would have fought him because he lacked direction.”
He reiterated the NRM’s commitment to patriotism, Pan-Africanism, East African unity, and socio-economic transformation. “In South Africa, there are reportedly 1 million Ugandans, unaware of Uganda’s contributions,” he remarked.
Representing the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) and Buganda cadres, the party’s vice national chairperson for the region, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, thanked President Museveni for his “ideological lecture.”
“The 2021 elections didn’t favour us in Buganda, but in 2026, we are determined to triumph. We only ask for your guidance when needed. Buganda has greatly benefited from development,” Kasolo said, assuring the President that the region’s cadres are now equipped to address past challenges.
“We pledge to return after winning the election,” he added.
