Opinion: ONC’s Hadijah Namyalo Should Play A Pivotal Role To Guard & Protect Museveni’s Votes

By Bulegeya Rogers | NRM Chairperson, Masaka City

As Uganda approaches the 2026 presidential elections, the role of Hon. Hadija Namyalo has never been more critical in safeguarding votes for President Yoweri Museveni. The political landscape is charged, with the opposition, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP), intensifying efforts to weaken Museveni’s support. Their strategy is clear: to disrupt the electoral process and diminish the ruling party’s vote count.

The opposition appears to have two primary objectives. First, they aim to intimidate long-standing National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters, discouraging them from voting. Second, they plan to manipulate the voting process at key polling stations, particularly in Buganda and the Eastern region, to siphon off Museveni’s votes. Despite these threats, Museveni’s support base remains resilient, a fact evident even in the 2021 elections when opposition attempts to manipulate results fell short.

In this charged environment, Hon. Hadija Namyalo has emerged as a central figure in protecting Museveni’s mandate. Over the years, she has successfully recruited two dedicated vote protectors for every polling station across Uganda, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to counter electoral malpractice. Her initiative, the Mzee Tova Ku main strategy, has revitalized grassroots mobilization at a time when some senior NRM officials hesitated to publicly support Museveni. This proactive approach has effectively placed Museveni back at the heart of national electoral discourse.

The Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC) has strengthened its structures nationwide, with village-level coordinators and district and sub-regional teams fully committed to ensuring electoral victory. Surveys conducted in rural areas indicate that these vote protectors are ready and motivated to secure the President’s mandate.

Of course, Namyalo faces attacks from those who covertly oppose the President, but her resilience underscores her importance to the party and the nation. The NRM must continue to rally behind her leadership, focusing on serving the people of Uganda and steering clear of unnecessary distractions that could derail electoral preparedness.

As Uganda prepares to cast its votes in 2026, Hadija Namyalo stands as a beacon of hope for the NRM and President Museveni. Her commitment to protecting votes, mobilizing support, and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process is pivotal. In supporting her efforts, the party not only safeguards its electoral chances but also upholds the democratic will of the Ugandan people.