From Defeat To Victory: How NRM ‘Patriotic Candidates’ Helped Museveni, Flag Bearers Win Buganda

By Frank Kamuntu

Former National Resistance Movement (NRM) aspirants who lost party primaries in the run-up to the 2026 general elections have officially launched their offices in Kamwokya, reaffirming their commitment to party unity and continued mobilisation for President Yoweri Museveni and NRM flag bearers.

The offices were opened on Thursday at Child Welfare Guest House in Kamwokya, Kampala, marking a formal transition for the group from electoral contenders to grassroots mobilisers and political organisers within the ruling party.

Speaking at the launch, Hillary Katandikwa, Chairperson of these aspirants under their umbrella association NRM Patriotic Candidates 2025 for Buganda, said the decision by the former aspirants to abandon independent bids after losing party primaries was guided by President Museveni’s call for unity.

“We were asked by His Excellency the President not to divide the party after primaries but to remain united and support our flag bearers,” Katandikwa said. “We listened, we mobilised, and today the results speak for themselves. NRM has registered a strong comeback in Buganda.”

Katandikwa noted that many of the former aspirants had initially considered contesting as independents but chose party loyalty over personal ambition. “We decided to wait for our turn and strengthen the party instead of weakening it,” he added.

Hon. Nakamya Fatiah, popularly known as Suubi lye’Kawempe and a former Kawempe South Woman MP aspirant, said the group’s mobilisation efforts were instrumental in reversing the ruling party’s fortunes in Buganda following the heavy losses suffered in the 2021 elections.

“In 2021, NRM was almost wiped out in Buganda, but this time we moved village to village, parish to parish, under Buganda Ku Museveni drive, telling people the truth about the party and President Museveni,” Nakamya said. “We are proud that Buganda has once again stood with the NRM.”

This mobilisation drive, branded “Buganda Ku Museveni,” was spearheaded by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) member Haruna Kasolo, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, and other senior party leaders. Coordinators from different regions played a key role in sustaining the campaign.

Hon. Saul Kalwanga, the NRM Regional Coordinator for Greater Mubende, said the group worked closely with party leadership to ensure cohesion and discipline during the election period.

“We were fully involved in mobilising support for all NRM flag bearers, not just the presidential candidate,” Kalwanga said. “The President trusted us with this assignment, and we delivered.”

Similarly, Hon. Uwamahoro Faridah Bigirimana, the NRM Coordinator for Mubende District, credited teamwork and inclusivity for the successful mobilisation.

“We were embraced by party leaders like Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Hon. Haruna Kasolo, Hon. Robert Ndugwa Migadde of Buvuma, and many others,” Uwamahoro said. “They worked with us without discrimination, and that motivated us to give our best.”

The former aspirants used this ocassion to send their message to President Museveni that his directive to mobilise support across Buganda and beyond had been fully implemented, contributing to his strong electoral performance in the region.

Beyond politics, the group announced the establishment of a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO), which they said would focus on economic empowerment for members.

“This SACCO will help us mobilise resources, support each other economically, and remain active in community development as we prepare for future opportunities,” Katandikwa said.

The leaders said the newly launched offices will serve as coordination centres for political mobilisation, civic engagement, and economic empowerment initiatives, signalling their intention to remain active players within the NRM despite their electoral setbacks.