KAMPALA – President Yoweri Museveni reportedly stood his ground during discussions over the composition of the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), insisting that State Minister for Housing Persis Namuganza remains his nominee despite legal objections raised over her eligibility.
Sources familiar with the Friday meeting said Museveni’s proposed list of nominees for the party’s top decision-making organ included Namuganza alongside other members who were endorsed without controversy.
However, Namuganza’s nomination sparked a prolonged debate after the party’s legal team argued that she does not qualify for election to the CEC because she currently serves in Parliament as an independent Member of Parliament.
NRM Director of Legal Services Enoch Barata reportedly advised the meeting that under the party’s legal framework, Namuganza’s status as an independent MP presents a technical obstacle to her appointment to the CEC.
Museveni, however, vigorously defended the minister, describing her as a lifelong NRM cadre whom he personally mentored into the movement.
According to sources, the President told members that Namuganza has been a loyal supporter of the NRM since her youth and has faithfully served the party for many years, arguing that her independent parliamentary status should not overshadow her commitment to the ruling party.
The discussions reportedly became heated as some members insisted that the party constitution should be strictly followed, while Museveni maintained that loyalty to the movement should be given greater consideration.
During the deliberations, NRM Central Region Vice Chairperson Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo reportedly proposed that another loyal cadre from the Central Region be considered for the position. Museveni rejected the suggestion and directed that the matter be put on hold pending further consultations, leaving the CEC slot vacant for the time being.
Speaking after the meeting, Namuganza dismissed reports claiming President Museveni had rejected or abandoned her nomination.
“The President is the one who nominated me. Those alleging that he refused me are simply misleading the public,” she said, maintaining that Museveni had consistently defended her during the discussions.
The developments came as the NRM leadership finalized nominations for members of its Central Executive Committee ahead of the party’s internal electoral processes.
