By Frank Kamuntu
When the Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC) Manager, SPA/PA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye launched the now famous “Omalako Jajja Tova Ku Main” campaign over three years ago, few could have predicted how deeply it would shape Uganda’s political landscape today.
The message, loosely translated as “You are still strong, don’t leave the highway,” was a bold and unwavering call urging President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to extend his leadership even though it were in the morning hours of his current term in office.
President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Maama Janet Museveni acknowledge the cheers of jubilant crowds at the NRM Electoral Commission Offices on Saturday
This past Saturday, President Museveni, who also doubles as the National Chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, answered that call. Clad in his signature hat, donning a yellow shirt (party colors) and steady demeanor, the veteran leader, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, walked into the NRM Secretariat and picked nomination forms to express interest in contesting for both the NRM Party Chairmanship and the party’s presidential flag bearer position in the 2026 general elections.
What followed was more than a procedural moment, it was a symbolic endorsement of a political crusade that had once faced heavy skepticism and criticism, but bore fruit. Standing tall in that moment of vindication was none other than Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, the outspoken Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC), whose persistence had now been validated by the party’s highest figure.
SPA/PA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye during the launch of the Jajja Tova Ku Main campaign
During the brief but charged euphoric ceremony, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi stunned the crowd when he directly acknowledged Hajjat Hadijah’s also known as Chief Muzzukulu efforts, saying:
“Your Excellency, what you see out there is work of the Hajjat Namyalo,” Dr Tanga said in reference to the multitudes outside his office blowing vuvuzelas, whistles in excitement at Museveni’s decision to accept their call for him to stay on the main political highway of Uganda’s leadership.
Dr. Tanga’s remarks come as recognition of a campaign that had both inspired grassroots support and sparked internal debate. From markets to churches, youth centers to remote villages, Namyalo traversed Uganda, rallying ordinary citizens, women’s groups, veterans, youths, and opinion leaders to back the continuity of President Museveni’s leadership.
Despite resistance from some quarters within the party and accusations of premature politicking, Namyalo’s message gained traction as time went by. Her rallies, often characterized by electrifying chants, gifts of empowerment tools such as sewing machines and brick-laying kits, and spirited calls for unity, galvanized a wide cross-section of NRM supporters who began demanding continuity. These events usually ended with leaders in the areas signing on banners bearing the one clear message: Tova Ku Main.
Speaking about his vision in the next term of office, President Museveni said;
“Since 1986, Uganda has progressed through five stages of development, and the NRM aims for the country to become a $500 billion economy in the next five years.”
The president added that in the next term, he will focus on helping bazzukulu and their parents tap into Uganda’s potential, also dedicating the next five years to wiping out corruption.
Saturday’s developments put the final endorsement on a campaign of an engine powering Museveni’s next chapter that has been ignited by grassroots mobilisation with manager of his office steering it.
In a short comment, an excited Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo said:
“I thank Jajja for responding to the people’s call. The highway is still wide, and Uganda still needs a steady hand. Tova Ku Main wasn’t a slogan—it was the people’s voice. He owes us a lot and we are asking him to fulfil.”
The campaign saw leaders like the VP Jessica Alupo and others endorse the president
Political pundits say this moment speaks to the growing influence of mobilisers within the party’s grassroots structures. Namyalo’s ability to channel the will of the people into a coherent political message and her resilience in the face of criticism has not only elevated her personal profile but has also reshaped how early and dedicated mobilisation is viewed in the NRM.
With the 2026 general elections fast approaching, President Museveni’s now confirmed stay on the political stage, fueled by what started as a daring slogan, offers one clear message: the call from the streets, villages, and trading centres still resonates in State House.
And for Hajjat Namyalo, history may very well remember her as the woman who refused to let the driver of the yellow bus leave the road before leading his passengers to Canaan.
President Yoweri Museveni verifies his details with the NRM Electoral Commission before picking forms to express interest
Focus now shifts to President Museveni’s return of nomination forms and final endorsement where all efforts will go towards ensuring a landslide for the man whose leadership can be traced back to the guerrilla war he led to capture power in January 1986.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja embraced the campaign
