By Aggrey Baba
A high-stakes political battle is unfolding within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), with tensions mounting ahead of the party’s internal elections.
Making the news is the race for the Central Executive Committee (CEC), the nerve center of the NRM’s decision-making. This time, long-serving party figures are facing an aggressive push from the fast-rising Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political force reshaping the power dynamics within the NRM.
In Buganda, all eyes are on the showdown between incumbent vice-chairperson Godfrey Kiwanda and his challenger, Haruna Kasolo. Backed by PLU and its influential leader, CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Kasolo’s candidacy is more than just a personal ambition, but part of a broader strategy to shift the balance of power within the Big man’s party.
With battle lines drawn, strategies unfolding behind closed doors, and ambitions running high, can Kiwanda withstand the PLU onslaught, or is this the moment the old guard begins to lose its grip? Time will tell.
For months, PLU has been expanding its influence within the NRM, positioning itself as a political powerhouse ready to take charge. The CDF’s has told his allies openly, to go power if they wish, but do it within the NRM party structures.
That call to action has sparked a new wave of ambition, with PLU figures stepping up to challenge NRM veterans across multiple CEC positions.
If PLU succeeds in taking over the rulling party’ top leadership, it could mark the beginning of a major realignment within the NRM, shifting power away from the party’s old guard and into the hands of a new, assertive generation of leaders.
Despite the growing challenge, Kiwanda remains publicly unshaken. “NRM is a democratic party. Anyone can contest. I fear no one,” he declared. Yet, behind closed doors, sources say the pressure is mounting.
Kiwanda’s position has long been secure, bolstered by his strong personal brand and deep connections within the party.
However, his confidence may not be enough to withstand the well-coordinated PLU advance. His opponents have accused him of complacency, arguing that his tenure has focused more on personal influence than party growth.
For Kasolo, the battle is not just about securing a seat at the table, but also proving that PLU is ready to lead. With Muhoozi’s backing and growing grassroots support, he has emerged as one of the most formidable challengers in the race. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
