NRM Supporters Disrupt Kampala Traffic as Museveni Picks Nomination Forms for 2026 Bid

Traffic in parts of Kampala was brought to a standstill on Saturday morning, June 28, 2025, as thousands of ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party supporters poured onto major roads to escort President Yoweri Museveni as he picked nomination forms for his anticipated 2026 re-election bid.Dressed in yellow party T-shirts, headbands, and carrying placards declaring “Museveni Our Choice 2026” and “Steady Progress Continues”, the supporters danced, chanted slogans, and sang patriotic songs as they marched from various parts of the city towards the NRM Electoral Commission offices at Plot 10, Kyadondo Road.

Motorists and commuters faced major delays along Jinja Road, Bombo Road, Yusuf Lule Road, and parts of Kampala Road, with boda boda riders forced to use alternative routes to beat the heavy traffic gridlock.

Traffic police officers struggled to control the swelling crowds, as party mobilisers urged supporters to maintain peace and avoid provoking motorists.

The day’s highlight was the arrival of President Museveni, accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni, senior government officials, and top NRM secretariat leaders.

Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, was cheered as he arrived to pick the nomination forms, which he will submit to officially confirm his candidature in the coming weeks.

“I thank you all for your support and love. We are ready to continue with the mission of securing your future and developing Uganda further,” Museveni told the crowd outside the party offices. His remarks were met with chants of “Omalako, Twaagala Museveni” (You are enough for us, we love you, Museveni).

NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong said President Museveni remains the party’s most trusted candidate to deliver socio-economic transformation, peace, and stability.

He added that internal party processes will proceed smoothly ahead of the 2026 General Election nominations later this year.

However, opposition leaders criticised the day’s events, accusing the NRM of paralysing economic activity in the city centre. National Unity Platform (NUP) spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi said: “This is abuse of state resources and infringement on people’s right to movement.”

Despite the traffic disruptions, police reported no major incidents of violence or damage to property. The Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander appealed to political parties to plan orderly events that do not inconvenience city residents.

President Museveni is expected to launch his re-election manifesto later this year as he seeks to extend his rule beyond four decades in power