By Frank Kamuntu
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders from Buganda region have convened a high-level caucus at Hotel Africana, Kampala, with a central focus on reconciliation and strategy as the party prepares for the 2026 general elections.
The meeting, chaired by newly elected NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Region Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, drew over 500 participants, including Members of Parliament, district chairpersons, Resident District and City Commissioners (RDCs and RCCs), DISOs, municipal mayors, party flag bearers, and other grassroots leaders.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Kasolo—who also doubles as State Minister for Microfinance—stressed that unity after the recently concluded NRM primaries was critical if the party is to reclaim dominance in Buganda.
“This meeting is about building a stronger and more united NRM family in Central Region. We cannot afford the divisions of the past. Reconciliation is our path to securing over 90% victory in Buganda,” he said.
Kasolo assured primary losers that the party would find room for them under the slogan “Buganda for Museveni”, noting that bitterness only benefits the opposition.
Buvuma County MP Hon. Robert Migadde Ndugwa, the NRM Buganda Caucus Chairperson, warned against repeating mistakes of 2021.
“In the last election, we only managed to win in Greater Mubende. But in Greater Mukono, Greater Mpigi, Greater Masaka, and others, we lost miserably. That cannot happen again,” he cautioned.
Former NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Region, Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, echoed the call for reconciliation, pointing to his own decision to step down for Kasolo in the CEC race as an example of putting party above self.
“When we put the party above ourselves, we all win. That is the spirit we must embrace heading into 2026,” he noted.
Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who served as Chief Guest, urged leaders to avoid running as independents and instead unite behind the party flag bearers.
“The Central Region holds the key to President Museveni’s victory. But that victory is only possible if we work as one. Running as independents weakens us. If we remain united, no other force can outcompete us in Buganda,” he said.
Mobilization & Strategy
Kampala Central Mayor Salim Uhuru, also the newly elected NRM Vice Chairman for Kampala, vowed that all flag bearers in the capital would serve as frontline mobilizers for President Museveni’s re-election bid.
“This is our moment to show that the flag was not given to us in vain. We must be vibrant, united, and visible as we deliver votes for our party leader,” he declared.
The caucus adopted several resolutions, including:
- Launching grassroots reconciliation drives within 60 days across all districts.
- Ensuring no independent candidacies from primary losers.
- Monitoring implementation of government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
- Deploying trusted local cadres as vote protectors in 2026.
Ambitious Targets For 2026
The leaders set a bold electoral target of securing at least 85% of the presidential vote in Buganda and winning 80 out of 105 parliamentary seats in the region.
Top NRM figures in attendance included Deputy Secretary General Rt. Hon. Rosemary Namayanja, Director of Mobilization Hon. Rose Sseninde, Ministers Judith Nabakooba, Aisha Ssekindi, Hanifa Kawooya, Rtd. Maj Gen Emmanuel Rwashande, former Attorney General Fred Ruhindi, and several district leaders.
The meeting closed with a collective pledge to rally behind President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and party flag bearers at all levels, with leaders branding the effort a defining comeback for the NRM in Buganda.
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