President Yoweri Museveni has summoned members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), the top organ of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, to deliberate on the electoral roadmap leading to the 2026 general elections.
The high-stakes meeting is set to take place today at State House, Entebbe, and comes amid growing political activity within the party.
Key Agenda: Finalizing the 2026 Electoral Roadmap
The CEC meeting is expected to address crucial elements of the party’s preparation for the upcoming elections. Among the topics to be discussed are:
- Timelines for the NRM National Delegates Conference and National Executive Council (NEC) meetings, which will formalize Museveni’s candidacy for the presidency.
- Approval of internal party grassroots elections, primaries for parliamentary and local council positions, and elections for new members of CEC.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong confirmed the meeting, stating:
“The party chairperson has invited CEC members for a meeting today. We shall discuss the party roadmap for 2026.”
Internal Campaigns Intensify Ahead of CEC Elections
The meeting occurs against a backdrop of heightened mobilization among party members vying for influential positions within CEC.
One of the most notable contenders is Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who has declared her intention to challenge Rebecca Kadaga for the position of National Vice-Chairperson (Female).
This announcement has sparked division among NRM Members of Parliament (MPs).
Critics argue that Among’s candidacy disrupts established hierarchies within the party, while supporters see her move as an opportunity for renewal within the party’s top leadership.
Anita Among’s Declaration: A Bold Challenge
Anita Among, while addressing urban council leaders last year, clarified her political ambitions, stating:
“I am not contesting for the position of the eastern region. I am going for the position of vice-chairperson female. I am for the whole country, not eastern region.”
Her decision has been seen as a direct challenge to Kadaga, the current First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs.
While some view this as a power play, others argue it signals a new chapter for the party.
Kadaga’s Strategic Silence
In response to Among’s declaration, Kadaga has remained characteristically quiet. Known for her assertive stance on party matters, her lack of public reaction has left her rivals and supporters speculating about her strategy.
“I have no comment,” Kadaga told New Vision when asked about Among’s candidacy.
Museveni’s Push for Electoral Preparedness
In parallel with the CEC meeting, President Museveni has called on NRM members to actively participate in the voter registration update process organized by the Electoral Commission (EC).
He emphasized the importance of ensuring accurate and up-to-date voter registers ahead of the elections.
“The EC has announced the electoral roadmap for the 2026 elections. This process begins with the verification and update of voter registers. I urge all NRM leaders and supporters to check that your names are on the registers and assist in updating them by removing deceased individuals and adding new voters who have turned 18,” Museveni said in a statement earlier this week.
Expanding Voter Registration for 2026
The EC projects that the number of registered voters will rise from 18 million in the last election to over 24 million in 2026.
The update exercise, originally scheduled for early January, has been rescheduled to run from January 20 to February 10, with stations across Uganda open daily, including weekends.
Eligible citizens aged 18 and above are encouraged to register or update their information during this window. The exercise will also allow voters to confirm their details and transfer voting locations if necessary.
CEC’s Role in NRM Leadership
The CEC is the NRM’s central decision-making body, composed of top party leaders including:
- The National Chairperson (Museveni)
- The First Vice-Chairperson (Al Hajji Moses Kigongo)
- The Second Vice-Chairperson (Rebecca Kadaga)
- Six regional vice-chairpersons
- The Secretary General and other key officials
The committee provides strategic guidance for both the party and the country, making its decisions pivotal to NRM’s electoral success.
Paving the Path to 2026
Today’s meeting is a significant milestone as NRM gears up for the 2026 general elections.
With internal contests heating up and voter registration updates underway, the party faces both opportunities and challenges in maintaining its dominance.
How these issues are resolved in the coming months will shape the political landscape for Uganda’s next general elections.
