By Our Reporter
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is in the middle of its highly charged Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections, which kicked off on August 18 and will run until August 28. While some contests have produced clear winners, others have been marred by controversy, withdrawals, and suspensions.
The Winners
Among the big winners so far is Hajji Shafic Mwanje, the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) Head of Mobilization, who was declared National Chairperson for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). His victory secures him a seat on the powerful CEC, cementing his growing influence within the party.
Another notable success came for former government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo, who won the NRM flagbearer race for MP Older Persons, Eastern Region. Opondo defeated Dominic Gidudu Mafabi, the sitting Minister of State for the Elderly.
Also, Adrine Kobusingye Domaro has been elected the new NRM Women’s League Chairperson, replacing Lydia Wanyoto.
Kobusingye comfortably won with the support of nearly two thousand delegates at the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) national conference in the capital Kampala.
Lydia Wanyoto withdrew from the race, allowing Adrine Kobusingye to have a clear path forward to victory.
Remaining in the race were Faridah Kibowa, Sarah Ochieng, Faridah Nakalawo and Rehema Kyanika.
Adrine Kobusingye secured 1839 votes, ahead of Faridah Kibowa who got 670 votes.
Sarah Ochieng managed 19 votes, Faridah Nakalawo got three while Rehema Kyanika got only two votes.
Reacting to her victory, Adrine Kobusingye wrote, “thank you for believing in me.”
In a surprise twist, Security Minister Gen Jim Muhwezi, also NRM Chairperson for Rukungiri District, lost to Rtd Lt Moses Mushabe in the race for National Chairperson of the NRM Veterans League. Mushabe’s victory is seen as a major upset against one of the party’s long-serving stalwarts.
The most dramatic twist came when President Yoweri Museveni suspended elections for the NRM Entrepreneurs League, following explosive allegations of bribery and widespread irregularities. The contest, which had pitted wealthy businessmen Hassan Basajjabalaba against Ceasar Mulenga, had sparked sharp divisions within the party.
The Withdrawals
Amid the controversy, some candidates have bowed out. On Tuesday, former Tororo Municipality MP Sanjay Tanna pulled out of the Entrepreneurs League race, describing the environment as “toxic.”
“We realised that many delegates who were supposed to vote for us were missing from their constituencies. Some were herded out of the country and others locked up in hotels. To avoid tearing apart the party, I have chosen to step aside,” Tanna told reporters.
His withdrawal followed that of Mwesigwa Rukaari, the outgoing chairperson and Mbarara City North MP, who last week opted not to seek re-election, instead focusing on his parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.
As the NRM delegates’ conference enters its final stretch, attention is now on the remaining contests and the political deals likely to shape the ruling party’s leadership for the next term. With winners like Shafic Mwanje rising, seasoned figures like Gen Muhwezi falling, and high-profile contests suspended, the 2025 CEC elections are proving to be among the most dramatic in NRM’s recent history.
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