By Kyeswa Hakim | Head of Digital Media, Office of the National Chairman – NRM (ONC)
Email: hakimkim255@gmail.com
Yesterday marked a historic milestone in Uganda’s political journey. The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has formally endorsed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as its sole presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections. This landmark decision did not emerge by accident—it is the fruit of unwavering grassroots mobilization and visionary political stewardship, primarily driven by one bold and determined leader: Hajat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, Head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) and Chief Mobilizer of the Bazzukulu.
The Backdrop: A Quiet Attempt to Retire the General
In the aftermath of the 2021 elections, a dangerous undercurrent began to ripple within the ranks of the NRM—not from opposition camps, but from influential figures inside the party itself. Several internal actors, some with direct access to State House, began crafting a narrative that President Museveni’s time had passed. The party’s electoral challenges in regions like Buganda and Busoga were weaponized to push a veiled agenda: to pressure the President into an early and involuntary retirement.
But this was no ordinary political debate. It was a well-coordinated maneuver by opportunistic power brokers—individuals who sought transition not for national interest, but for personal gain.
As the President remained focused on post-COVID recovery and safeguarding Uganda’s stability, these forces were busy sowing confusion, eroding loyalty, and preparing the ground for a political coup from within.
Enter Namyalo: The ‘Tova Ku Main’ Movement Is Born
Amid this political turbulence, Hajat Hadijah Namyalo emerged as a lightning rod of loyalty and resolve. While others whispered and schemed in corridors of power, she took to the trenches—mobilizing, educating, and energizing the masses, particularly the youth, under a resonant banner: “Tova Ku Main.”
What began as a slogan soon transformed into a grassroots revolution. Despite limited resources and institutional resistance, Namyalo embarked on a nationwide campaign, boldly rekindling the NRM spirit in places where the party had previously lost touch. From the ghettos to rural townships, from markets like Kiseka to hard-to-reach regions, she made it cool again to wear yellow—to believe in NRM’s message and to stand by President Museveni.
Her strategy was simple but powerful: reconnect the people to the revolution’s original spirit—and in doing so, remind the nation why Museveni’s leadership remains unmatched.
Museveni’s Endorsement: A Nod to Namyalo’s Ground Game
During his acceptance speech earlier today, President Museveni did not mince words. He acknowledged the mobilization efforts behind the Tova Ku Main campaign, crediting the Bazzukulu for urging him to continue.
“The Bazzukulu said Tova Ku Main, and I decided to come back,” he stated.
This was no empty political platitude. It was a clear and public endorsement of Namyalo’s efforts—and a rare moment where a sitting President explicitly credited a grassroots movement for shaping his political decision. That is the true power of her work.
Namyalo’s Leadership: A Case for National Recognition
For all her efforts, Hajat Namyalo has not walked an easy path. She has endured sabotage, misinformation, and open hostility from within the very establishment she seeks to strengthen. Her tenacity, however, has never wavered. It is this resilience that has made her not just a competent mobilizer, but a political heroine of the NRM.
Today, as the party rallies behind Museveni’s sole candidacy, Uganda must also celebrate Namyalo—a courageous woman who rescued the movement from internal implosion, reenergized its base, and secured continuity of its core mission.
Her legacy is now firmly etched in Uganda’s political history: she didn’t just defend the revolution—she revived it.
The Road to 2026: A Renewed Mandate for Unity and Vigilance
Museveni’s sole candidacy is a turning point—but the journey to 2026 is far from over. Namyalo and the ONC must now double their efforts to consolidate the momentum, unify all NRM structures, and neutralize any emerging divisions.
The opposition will, undoubtedly, try to exploit any crack. But with Namyalo’s Bazzukulu movement, a reawakened youth base, and a clear message of economic empowerment and patriotism, the NRM is poised not just for victory, but for a landslide reaffirmation of Museveni’s leadership.
As Ugandans, we often reserve our praise for the loudest voices or the most visible offices. But today, let us honor the quiet architect of this political turnaround. Hajat Hadijah Namyalo has not only proven her loyalty—she has proven her leadership.
She deserves recognition, support, and a place in the national spotlight. Because in securing Museveni’s candidacy, she secured the continuity of the NRM revolution.
Congratulations, President Museveni.
Bravo, Hajat Hadijah Namyalo.