The recent Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections within Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have sent shockwaves across the political landscape, with a new wave of younger leaders toppling long-standing incumbents in what many view as a generational shift.
Prominent figures such as Rebecca Kadaga, the outgoing Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), lost to current Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among. Other high-profile defeats included: Rebecca Kadaga (Second National Vice Chairperson Female)- lost to Speaker Anitah Among.
Capt. Mike Mukula (Vice Chairperson Eastern Region) – lost to David Echodu.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi (Vice Chairperson Western Region) – defeated by Eng. Jonard Asiimwe.
Lydia Wanyoto (Chairperson Women’s League) – unseated by Aldrine Kobusingye.
Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi (Vice Chairperson Central Region) – beaten by State Minister Haruna Kasolo.
While some incumbents withdrew shortly before voting, citing irregularities, others stayed in the race and suffered heavy defeats.
Disputed process and electoral irregularities
Several candidates raised concerns over the credibility of the process. Dr. Baryomunsi openly criticized the elections before the party chairman and President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni, calling them a “big embarrassment” due to rampant disorganization and alleged voter manipulation.
“Whether I win or not, I cannot associate with this kind of election,” he said. “This is not an election; it’s chaos.”
Capt. Mukula, although stepped aside in favor of Echodu, also highlighted widespread irregularities, including the excessive use of money to influence delegates.
Reports suggest some candidates spent over shs3 billion to secure votes, a concerning trend that many believe undermines the party’s integrity.
Generational shift
Despite the controversies, many see the results as a reflection of deeper undercurrents in Ugandan politics, particularly the growing demand among youth for leadership roles and policy relevance.
Political analyst and famous City Lawyer, Bosco Kitandwe called it an “inevitable generational transition,” noting that “the youth, long dubbed ‘leaders of tomorrow,’ are asserting themselves today in the NRM.”
Jane Francis Achiro, NRM flagbearer for Oyam District, echoed this sentiment, saying, “For Uganda to progress, the party must embrace young leaders who bring fresh ideas and energy aligned with contemporary challenges.”
Still, Kitandwe warned that the increasing commercialization of internal elections, marked by vote-buying and extravagant campaign spending, risks turning genuine political reform into a transactional exercise.
He stressed that the NRM’s internal elections may have been fraught with controversy, but they also represent a rare shift in a party often criticized for resisting change. Whether the rise of youthful leaders leads to meaningful reforms, or simply a reshuffling of elites, remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the winds of change within Uganda’s ruling party appear to be gathering momentum.
The New NRM CEC (2025–2031)
National Chairman: Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
First Vice Chairperson: Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo
Second Vice Chairperson (Female): Anita Annet Among
Vice Chairperson Eastern Region: David Echodu
Vice Chairperson Kampala Region: Uhuru Salim
Vice Chairperson Central/Buganda Region: Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune
Vice Chairperson Western Region: Eng. Jonard Asiimwe
Vice Chairperson Karamoja Region: Dr. John Baptist Lokii
Vice Chairperson Northern Region: Hamson Obua
Leagues Leadership (Chairpersons)
Women’s League: Aldrine Kobusingye
PWD League: Shafik Mwanje
Historical League: Col. Tom Butime
Veterans League: Lt. Moses Mushabe
Elders League: Peninah Busingye Kabingani
Workers League: Arinaitwe Rwakajara
Note: Elections for the Entrepreneurs and Youth Leagues were postponed until further notice.
