State House aide Nelson Kapo picked to address Museveni, NRM MPs at Kyankwanzi

Kapo and his boss President Museveni

In a move that has quietly raised eyebrows within government communication circles, State House Online Editor Nelson Bwire Kapo has been selected to address President Yoweri Museveni, hundreds of NRM MPs, and other political actors at the ongoing ruling party retreat in Kyankwanzi.

Kapo, who is known for managing and updating President Museveni’s social media platforms, is among the key facilitators lined up for Day Nine of the retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI).

According to the official program, Kapo will co-present an 8:00am thematic session titled: “Strategic communication for political leadership: navigating mainstream media and social media ecosystems.”

He will speak alongside Alan Kasujja, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, who now serves as the government’s official spokesperson.

The session is expected to focus on how political leaders can effectively engage with both traditional media and the fast-evolving digital communication space, where public opinion is increasingly shaped.

Kapo’s inclusion is being interpreted by some insiders as recognition of his growing role in the government’s communication machinery, particularly in the digital sphere where he has become one of the visible defenders of the regime.

Beyond his behind-the-scenes work on the President’s online communication, Kapo has in recent past also become a familiar face on television and radio talk shows, where he has consistently defended government positions and explained state programs.

Sources at the NRM Secretariat say Kapo was specifically nominated to help guide party leaders on how to survive and compete in an era where political messaging is no longer confined to press conferences and newspaper headlines, but also plays out on X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and WhatsApp.

His nomination has also triggered quiet chatter among some insiders, with sources saying the decision to entrust him with a platform before the President and senior party leaders was seen as a sign that communication effectiveness is beginning to matter more than mere titles in government.

Kapo’s appearance at the retreat also comes at a time when the NRM is increasingly seeking to sharpen its public messaging and improve how its leaders communicate government achievements, respond to criticism, and counter opposition narratives both offline and online.

With Museveni expected to close the retreat later that day, Kapo’s session could prove to be one of the most politically telling moments of the gathering.