Youthful NRM CEC Aspirants Decry Biased Vetting, Call for Urgent Party Reforms

Four youthful aspirants vying for top positions in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) have strongly criticized the ongoing internal vetting process, calling it “undemocratic” and “rigged” in favor of incumbents who double as both candidates and judges.

In a joint press briefing held in Kampala, the outspoken group led by Hakim Kyeswa — the aspiring NRM National Vice Chairperson for Central Region — raised serious concerns over the credibility and fairness of the CEC vetting mechanism. Joining him were Buyela Christopher (Eastern Region), Kyanika Rehema (Women’s League), and Sadat Sserugo (Kampala), all of whom echoed a resounding call for constitutional reforms within the party.

“You can’t vet me while I’m running against you,” Kyeswa charged, describing the current vetting arrangement as “political malpractice.”

“We need open, fair platforms where all candidates are scrutinized equally and transparently. This is the only way to revitalize internal democracy within the party,” he added. 

The aspirants accused the current CEC leadership of manipulating the vetting process to maintain a monopoly over decision-making structures. They decried the lack of transparency, impartiality, and meritocracy in how candidates are selected to contest at the upcoming National Delegates Conference (August 27–28).

Buyela Christopher, vying for the Eastern Region slot, did not hold back in his critique of long-time incumbent Mike Mukula.

“Where is Mike Mukula’s office in the East? For 20 years, Eastern Uganda has had no real representation,” Buyela asserted.

“Our region has become an afterthought. The people want accountability and visibility, not absentee leadership,” he added, questioning the value delivered to Eastern Uganda during Mukula’s tenure. 

Kyanika Rehema, contesting for the Women’s League CEC position, highlighted a growing disconnect between the party’s leadership and its female base.

“The Women’s League has become more symbolic than practical,” Kyanika said.

“Grassroots women are demoralized. They don’t see themselves in the current structures. I am here to change that and bring dignity, visibility, and participation to NRM women across Uganda.” 

Sadat Sserugo, aspiring to represent Kampala, emphasized that urban youth feel excluded and are increasingly turning away from the party.

“The NRM is losing touch with the very people who should be driving its next phase — the youth,” Sserugo noted.

“Kampala deserves leadership that is dynamic, visible, and tuned into the challenges of urban life — not leaders preoccupied with business deals over party ideals.” 

The group laid out a number of key demands ahead of the NRM National Delegates Conference:

Constitutional Amendments: 

They proposed revisiting outdated provisions in the NRM constitution, particularly those that give incumbent CEC members an upper hand in the vetting process.

Fair Vetting Mechanisms:

Aspirants want independent panels for vetting, excluding incumbent CEC candidates from influencing outcomes of positions they are contesting. 

Joint Debates and Campaign Events:

To level the playing field, they called for open public debates where aspirants and incumbents can present their track records and visions before delegates and the wider public.

Grassroots Involvement:

The quartet emphasized the importance of enhanced grassroots participation in decision-making, including reforms in how district and village registrars are qualified and selected.

Despite their sharp criticism of the CEC leadership, the four aspirants reaffirmed their loyalty to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM National Chairman. However, they issued a stern warning to party leadership that ignoring reform could prove costly in the upcoming 2026 general elections.

“We stand with President Museveni and believe in his vision,” Kyeswa emphasized.

“But if these undemocratic practices continue, the party will lose its vibrancy and alienate its core — especially the youth who form the majority of the voting bloc.”

As internal preparations intensify ahead of the high-stakes National Delegates Conference, the latest developments signal growing restlessness within the NRM’s youthful ranks. The calls for reform not only challenge the status quo but also raise broader questions about internal democracy and generational transition in one of Africa’s longest-ruling parties.

Whether the party leadership will heed these calls or double down on its current trajectory remains to be seen — but what is certain is that the winds of change are gaining strength from within.

By: John Kusolo

*Reporting from Kampala, Uganda