NRM Parliamentary Caucus Elects New Executive Committee, Endorses Three MPs for Pan-African Parliament

KAMPALA – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus has elected a new Executive Committee to steer the affairs of the ruling party's legislators, while also endorsing three Members of Parliament to represent Uganda in the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the legislative organ of the African Union based in Midrand, South Africa.

The decisions were reached during a caucus meeting held on Sunday evening, where NRM Members of Parliament voted to fill key leadership positions within the caucus and agreed on the party's nominees for the Pan-African Parliament.

The caucus endorsed Hon. Sarah Najjuma, the Woman Member of Parliament for Nakaseke District, Hon. Arinaitwe Rwakajara, the Workers' Representative in Parliament, and Hon. Anthony Akol, the Member of Parliament for Kilak North County, to represent Uganda in the Pan-African Parliament.

The endorsement positions the three legislators to be considered among Uganda's representatives to the continental legislative body, which promotes African integration, democratic governance, peace, security and sustainable development across member states of the African Union.

New NRM Parliamentary Caucus Executive Committee

The caucus also elected a new Executive Committee, whose members will coordinate the affairs of NRM legislators in Parliament and strengthen cohesion on legislative business.

In the race for Vice Chairperson, Hon. Otimgiw Isaac Ismail, Member of Parliament for Padyere County, emerged victorious after securing 117 votes.

He defeated:

Hon. Amanya Cohen – 70 votes

Hon. Waluswaka – 44 votes

Hon. Mastullah – 28 votes

Hon. Sarah Masereka – 15 votes

Hon. Vincent Freedom Kaheru – 3 votes.

For the position of General Secretary, Hon. Brenda Namukuta, Woman Member of Parliament for Kaliro District, won decisively with 191 votes, defeating Hon. Miriam Mukhaye, the Woman MP for Mbale District, who obtained 83 votes. Three ballots were declared invalid.

In the contest for Treasurer, Hon. Hope Grania Nakazibwe, Woman Member of Parliament for Mubende District, secured a commanding victory with 153 votes.

Other candidates received:

Hon. Arinaitwe (Workers' MP, Rubirizi District) – 34 votes

Hon. Pamela Kirungi – 34 votes

Hon. Akwi – 23 votes

Five ballots were declared invalid.

Meanwhile, Hon. Derrick Orone, Member of Parliament for Gogonyo County in Pallisa District, was elected Publicity Secretary after garnering 165 votes.

He defeated:

Hon. Komakech – 76 votes

Hon. Sarah Namulondo – 65 votes.

Role of the Parliamentary Caucus

The NRM Parliamentary Caucus is composed of all Members of Parliament belonging to the ruling National Resistance Movement.

Its Executive Committee comprises the Chairperson, who also serves as the Government Chief Whip, the Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Publicity Secretary and Treasurer. 

The caucus plays a central role in coordinating the party's legislative agenda by deliberating on matters due for debate before Parliament and agreeing on a common party position.

Once the caucus adopts a position on any parliamentary business, all NRM legislators are expected to support and defend that position during proceedings in the House, reinforcing party discipline and unity on key national issues.

The election of a new Executive Committee is expected to strengthen the caucus's internal coordination as Parliament continues to handle critical legislative business, while the endorsement of the three MPs for the Pan-African Parliament reflects the party's confidence in their ability to represent Uganda's interests at the Continental level.