By Aggrey Baba
As the NRM gears up for its Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections, competitive races are emerging within the party’s eight league structures, which represent key interest groups such as youth, women, veterans, and entrepreneurs.
Each of these leagues holds a seat on the top committee and plays a significant role in shaping policy and mobilizing support within their respective constituencies.
This year’s contest has drawn attention to the strategic importance of these leagues in revitalizing the ruling party’s outreach and internal democracy.
In the Entrepreneurs League, Gyaviira Ssemwanga, the MP for Buyamba county, Rakai District, has declared his interest in leading the league with a mission to reduce financial exclusion for small and medium entrepreneurs, pointing out that many small-scale, NRM-aligned businesses face serious barriers in accessing government credit programs and procurement opportunities, despite their political loyalty.
Gyaviira promised to push for reforms that would create a more business-friendly environment for informal enterprises, which account for the majority of employment in Uganda, also pledging to advocate for the inclusion of small enterprises in national policy debates through the CEC.
In the Women’s League, the contest has sparked debate over whether the league has done enough to address women’s issues beyond symbolic representation. One aspirant noted that while the government has introduced programs aimed at empowering women, many of them remain underfunded or mismanaged,.saying the league must push for accountability and better targeting of resources.
The race for the Youth League is also heating up as candidates appeal to the bazzukulu (youth supporters) of Museveni. Several young politicians are using the platform to build their national profiles and demand a bigger role for youth in shaping party priorities.
Meanwhile, in the Veterans League, former military officers such as Capt. Titus Kiwanuka are seeking to channel their legacy into structured leadership, arguing that their role in securing the country must be matched with a leadership role within the NRM, especially in mentoring younger cadres.
As each league prepares for internal voting and lobbying ahead of the National Delegates Conference, the NRM appears to be giving more space to special interest groups as a way of ensuring political inclusivity and enhancing grassroots legitimacy.
Observers say whoever wins these league positions will hold significant influence, not just over CEC policy, but also in the party’s public image and campaign machinery heading into the 2026 general elections. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
