Not "Jobology", But Conviction: Museveni Accepts 2026 Flagbearer Role Unopposed
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CONFIRMED AS NRM CHAIRMAN AND 2026 PRESIDENTIAL FLAGBEARER UNOPPOSED
On 5th July 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was officially nominated unopposed as the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the party’s presidential flagbearer for the 2026–2031 term, setting the stage for his continued leadership as Uganda prepares for the next General Elections.
In a statement following his nomination, the President expressed gratitude to the NRM Electoral Commission for the confidence and trust bestowed upon him, stating:
“I want to thank the NRM Electoral Commission for nominating me. I hope the whole membership of the NRM and its structures will support my candidature as the Chairman of the NRM for 2025–2031 and also as flag-bearer for the NRM in the Presidential contest for 2026–2031.”
A Vision Anchored on Six Pillars
President Museveni emphasized continuity and consistency in the NRM’s strategic vision for Uganda’s transformation, pledging to center the next term around six key pillars:
Peace – Sustaining peace by eliminating war and criminality across the country.
Development – Promoting infrastructure, technology, and community-level growth.
Wealth – Ensuring every household has personal and private wealth, as a foundation for economic independence.
Jobs – Expanding employment opportunities for youth and all Ugandans.
Services – Enhancing access to essential services such as health, education, spiritual guidance, and hospitality.
Markets – Securing and expanding markets for Ugandan products, both domestically and internationally.
These priorities, Museveni noted, are in line with the NRM’s legacy of securing Uganda’s peace and stability, building the economy, and transforming society through inclusive development.
A Call for Selfless Political Leadership
Addressing the ideological underpinnings of leadership, President Museveni reminded Ugandans — especially the youth — that political leadership is not about age, gender, or personal gain, but about conviction and sacrifice.
“Politics is not about biology (age, gender, etc.) or ‘jobology’ (careerism). If our generation had had a jobist mentality, Uganda would never have been rescued,” Museveni reflected, recalling the personal sacrifices made by himself and fellow revolutionaries like Kategaya, Rwaheeru, Mwesigwa-Black, and others who left lucrative government jobs to liberate Uganda from tyranny in the early 1980s.
He further urged the younger generation to take up the mantle of principled leadership — not by taking up arms, but by confronting the modern-day threats to society such as corruption, fraud, land evictions, and criminality.
Celebrating 60 Years of NRM Victories
The President’s speech also celebrated six decades of the NRM’s legacy and Uganda’s progress. He invoked the long journey the country has taken from instability to peace, highlighting key accomplishments and Uganda’s aspirations to become a USD 500 billion economy.
“Long live the sixty years of victories and progress. Long live the efforts of the Ugandan freedom fighters. Long live the qualitative leap to a USD 500 billion economy,” Museveni proclaimed, attributing all achievements to divine guidance and national unity.
A Symbol of Continuity and Confidence
Museveni’s unopposed nomination underscores his unchallenged authority within the NRM and the party’s confidence in his leadership. As the longest-serving President in Uganda’s history, having come to power in 1986, Museveni’s nomination further cements his central role in the country’s political trajectory.
NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong and the party’s Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi both hailed the nomination as a reflection of the party’s unity and strategic clarity going into the 2026 elections.
Next Steps: The Road to 2026
With the nomination now formalized, attention turns to the party’s mobilization efforts and preparations for the 2026 presidential campaign. The NRM Secretariat is expected to roll out nationwide sensitization campaigns under the theme of continuity, transformation, and securing Uganda’s future.
President Museveni is expected to unveil a detailed campaign manifesto in the coming months, aligning with Vision 2040 and the Parish Development Model, while anchoring Uganda’s role in regional integration, industrialization, and global competitiveness.
As the NRM readies itself for the polls, Museveni’s leadership continues to inspire both loyalty and debate across the political landscape, affirming his central position in shaping Uganda’s destiny.
