The leadership of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the Greater Luwero region has decided to restrict politicians from outside the area from leading campaign efforts for President Yoweri Museveni ahead of the 2026 general elections.

This decision follows the official launch of Museveni’s campaign on Tuesday, as he seeks a seventh term in office. During the last election, Museveni experienced notable setbacks in this region—losing Luwero District to the opposition and barely retaining a lead in Nakaseke and Nakasongola.

Determined to regain support and safeguard the positions of its flagbearers, the NRM is focusing on a new approach. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, State Minister for Kampala Metropolitan Affairs and the party’s flagbearer in Nakaseke Central, acknowledged that in the past, the NRM often relied on leaders from other districts to drum up support for Museveni. However, he criticized this practice, stating that “many outsiders misuse campaign funds and spend their time in hotels instead of engaging voters.” He emphasized that this time, mobilization efforts will be exclusively led by local leaders.

Echoing this sentiment, Samuel Buchanan, NRM Chairperson for Luwero District, also disapproved of external involvement, arguing that such individuals “lack knowledge of the local issues and achievements of the party.” He appealed to the NRM Secretariat to empower the local party structures to take charge of the mobilisation.

NRM leaders highlighted that in the 2021 elections, the effectiveness of campaign structures had declined due to a lack of fresh internal elections, which left many leadership positions unfilled. However, with the recent election of new leaders, they believe the structures are now well-prepared to drive the campaign.

Haruna Kasolo, NRM Vice Chairperson for the Buganda region, reaffirmed this position, stressing that “only local leaders within the structures will manage this campaign,” firmly ruling out the involvement of external politicians.

Deputy NRM Secretary General Rose Namayanja Nsereko reinforced the party’s commitment to grassroots mobilisation. She confirmed that while “Buganda for Museveni” rallies will continue, these will be coordinated by local Members of Parliament. The upcoming rally, she announced, will be held in Kiwoko Town, Nakaseke District, on Sunday, October 5, 2025. It is being organized by Nakaseke District Woman MP Sarah Najjuma, with support from the NRM Secretariat.

Namayanja also pointed out that the party has a robust grassroots network, stating it maintains “30 leaders per village,” and expressed confidence that this structure is strong enough to secure victory for Museveni and other NRM candidates in the region. 

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