Museveni Declares New Chapter for NRM Leadership as 2026 Race Draws Closer

President Yoweri Museveni has issued a firm directive to newly elected National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders, urging them to prioritize wealth creation, ideological clarity, and national transformation ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.

This call came moments after Museveni was officially nominated as the NRM’s sole candidate for both National Chairman and presidential flag bearer, solidifying his place at the forefront of Uganda’s political landscape.

The nomination was conducted at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, where he was accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni.

Speaking to the newly elected party leaders, Museveni emphasized the need to abandon political opportunism and self-interest.

He urged them to disassociate leadership from personal gain, cautioning against sectarianism and internal wrangles that could derail the party’s objectives.

“Leadership is not a job opportunity. You must be wealth creators yourselves, so you do not become dependent on politics for survival,” Museveni stated, referencing Biblical scripture to underline the importance of servant leadership.

He encouraged the younger generation of NRM leaders to champion community based economic programs like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, which aim to combat unemployment and foster entrepreneurship at grassroots levels.

Museveni linked Uganda’s historical instability to ideological disorientation and divisive politics, recalling figures like Ignatius Musaazi whose early dreams of unity were compromised by tribal and religious tensions.

He reflected on past struggles, including the liberation fight against Idi Amin, emphasizing that their resistance was driven by a vision of African unity, not merely a reaction to violence.

With the NRM now experiencing a wave of generational renewal, Museveni called for sustained grassroots mobilisation, stressing that the ultimate mission remains to transform Uganda’s economy and secure its position on the continent