President Museveni Picks NRM Nomination Forms, Eyes Presidential Flag Bearer and Party Chairmanship

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the long-serving leader of Uganda and Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has officially declared his intention to contest for both the NRM Presidential Flag Bearer and the National Chairman positions in the party. This announcement was made today as he picked up nomination forms at the NRM Headquarters in Kyadondo, Kampala, a key procedural step in the party's internal electoral process.

Museveni’s move comes as the ruling party gears up for the 2026 General Elections. The NRM Electoral Commission has opened the nomination window for internal elections, with several high-profile figures expected to contest for various leadership positions. However, Museveni’s declaration solidifies his central role in shaping Uganda’s political and economic trajectory.

In his remarks, President Museveni reflected on Uganda’s journey under the NRM leadership since 1986, outlining the five historical stages of development the country has undergone — from recovery, rehabilitation, and consolidation to expansion and transformation.

He emphasized that the next milestone for Uganda under the NRM’s stewardship is to propel the economy to a $500 billion mark in the next five years. “We are not just aiming for growth in figures; we are aiming for structural transformation. Uganda has the potential to become a regional economic powerhouse through industrialization, value addition, and strategic infrastructure development,” Museveni noted.

Addressing the recently elected NRM district chairpersons and other party stakeholders, President Museveni issued a stern reminder about the core values of the NRM. He urged them to uphold the principles of impartiality, discipline, and ideological clarity. “The NRM is not a club for selfish interests or opportunists. It is a revolutionary movement grounded in the liberation of our people and transformation of our country,” he stated.

He warned against the infiltration of corruption and tribalism within the party ranks and called upon members to resist the temptation of promoting individuals based on personal or parochial interests.

“Do not elect leaders who are driven by personal ambition or self-enrichment. Elect those who understand the NRM ideology and are committed to the mission of national service,” the President emphasized.

President Museveni’s formal expression of interest and acquisition of nomination forms comes just days ahead of the highly anticipated Central Executive Committee (CEC) sessions and the subsequent Delegates’ Conference. These internal meetings are critical in shaping the party’s leadership direction and selecting the flag bearers for national positions ahead of the 2026 elections.

As the NRM continues its internal democratic processes, Museveni’s candidacy is expected to galvanize the party base, reaffirming his enduring influence within the party and the country’s political landscape.

With nearly four decades at the helm of the Ugandan state, President Museveni has consistently anchored his leadership on stability, security, and economic empowerment. While some voices in the political arena have called for generational change, many in the NRM and across the country still view him as a symbol of continuity and a steady hand in an evolving regional and global context.

Museveni’s bid for re-election is therefore seen as part of a broader strategy to consolidate past gains and navigate Uganda through emerging global challenges, including climate change, technological disruption, and shifting geopolitical alignments.

As Uganda edges closer to the 2026 elections, President Museveni’s declaration to contest once again under the NRM banner sets the tone for a highly strategic and consequential electoral season. His appeal to party members for ideological consistency and anti-corruption vigilance signals a desire not only for political victory but also for legacy preservation and national transformation.

The nation, observers, and international stakeholders now await the next stages of the NRM's internal processes, which will confirm who will officially carry the party's banner into the 2026 general elections.