By Frank Kamuntu
In a major political development within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Phillip Kakuru, Senior Presidential Advisor on Trade and Investment, has been officially nominated as a candidate for Chairman of the NRM Entrepreneurs League, Central Executive Committee (CEC).
The nomination ceremony, held at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters, drew a large crowd of energized supporters who escorted Kakuru in a show of growing national momentum behind his campaign for economic liberation through entrepreneurship.
The nomination was officiated by Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission, who praised Kakuru’s consistent focus on grassroots economic transformation.
Following his nomination, Kakuru addressed journalists with a rousing message:
“During my travels across northern Uganda, I heard the voices of entrepreneurs, youth, and everyday citizens crying out for real change,” Kakuru said. “They’ve entrusted me with their hopes and dreams — and I pledge to champion their causes and amplify their voices.”
Kakuru’s campaign is grounded in a transformative vision of entrepreneurship-driven development. His key message? Uganda doesn’t need more handouts — it needs bold ideas and local solutions.
“Our power lies in ideas, not in envelopes,” he declared. “We’re tired of being bought; we want to build Uganda.”
In recent weeks, Kakuru has gained traction among youth and business communities, especially in the Elgon and Acholi sub-regions, where delegates have urged him to speak up against rising taxes and unmet government promises. He assured them their grievances would not be ignored.
His grassroots credibility was further solidified when he launched an Entrepreneurs SACCO, injecting over UGX 100 million to support small-scale businesses and stimulate job creation — a move hailed as a practical step toward inclusive economic empowerment.
“I thank the people of Uganda for their trust,” he said. “Together, we will redefine political engagement in the NRM and turn the Entrepreneurs League into a beacon of hope and prosperity.”
Kakuru now faces competition from heavyweight contenders including Hajji Hassan Basajjabalaba, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Kampala International University, and Dr. Robert Rukari, a prominent NRM figure.
As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 elections, Kakuru’s nomination signals a fresh ideological wave within the NRM, one anchored in problem-solving, community upliftment, and the elevation of entrepreneurial voices from the ground up.