By Aggrey Baba
In the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the winds of change are blowing stronger than ever. The party, which has long been a pillar of Uganda’s political landscape, is now facing a period of unprecedented leadership challenges.
From internal power struggles to the fallout from electoral setbacks, the NRM’s leadership is under intense scrutiny. Once viewed as a unified force, the ruling party is showing cracks, with many questioning whether its current leadership structure can steer the party’s dominancy ahead. As party members and insiders debate the best course of action, rumors of reshuffles and reappointments are growing louder.
Among these discussions, Justine Kasule Lumumba’s name consistently arises, the party’s former Secretary General, who, according to sources, could return to reclaim the reins of leadership should the NRM win the 2026 general election.
However, her potential return is not solely tied to her past achievements, but also seen as a strategic move to restore direction and stability to a party that is struggling to find its footing.
While Lumumba’s potential return emerges as a hot topic of conversation for some time, sources within the NRM indicate that a secret arrangement between her and the party chairman, President Yoweri M7, is in play. Allegedly, Lumumba has agreed not to contest for the Bugiri District Woman Member of Parliament seat in 2026, despite her deep ties to the area.
This decision is purported to be a strategic move to pave the way for her return to the NRM’s secretariat as SG. It is suggested that this private understanding with the president could position her for reappointment in the event the NRM secures victory in the upcoming elections.
If true, this behind-the-scenes deal could play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s future leadership structure.
During her tenure as SG, Justine Kasule Lumumba garnered widespread recognition for her leadership. Under her stewardship, the NRM experienced significant electoral success, particularly in the 2016 elections, where the party secured 70.43% of parliamentary seats and achieved sweeping victories in local government elections.
Her leadership was not solely defined by impressive electoral results but also by her strategic acumen and resource mobilization. Lumumba’s most notable achievement was the acquisition of Plot 10 Kyaddondo Road, which became the permanent headquarters of the NRM. This acquisition not only bolstered the party’s institutional foundation but also symbolized her capability to lead with foresight and commitment.
However, Lumumba’s successor, Richard Todwong, has not been able to replicate her success. His tenure has been marked by a perceived lack of direction, with many party insiders alleging that he has been overshadowed by Dr. Tanga Odoi, the chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission.
Reports from within the party suggest that Todwong has struggled to assert authority, with Odoi often seen as the dominant figure in decision-making circles. The role of SG, traditionally a position of significant influence, has been diminished under Todwong’s leadership, leading to frustration among NRM members.
Insiders allege that Todwong’s inability to control Odoi’s influence has contributed to internal divisions, undermining the party’s cohesion and weakening its organizational capacity.
One of the most significant failures under Todwong’s leadership has been the controversial digitization of the NRM voter register. Originally intended to modernize the party’s electoral processes, the exercise has instead raised serious concerns.
Allegations of an inflated register, ghost voters, and the exclusion of critical demographics, such as the youth, have surfaced. Furthermore, the Kisoro by-election has become a symbol of the broader electoral mismanagement under Todwong’s leadership.
Accusations of vote manipulation and irregularties have damaged the party’s credibility and fueled growing dissatisfaction among grassroot supporters.
In light of these issues, many insiders are advocating for Lumumba’s return to the party’s secretariat, should the NRM secure victory in the 2026 elections. The sentiment within the party is summed up by the proverb, that [An old broom knows all corners], which highlights Lumumba’s experience and proven track record. Sources allege that her reappointment as Secretary General would not only restore organizational coherence but also reinstate a sense of purpose and unity within the party.
Her experience in managing the party’s internal structures and mobilizing resources is seen as essential in countering the challenges posed by rising opposition forces.
The opposition, particularly Robert Kyagulanyi’s National Unity Platform (NUP), continues to gain traction, especially in regions like Buganda, which were once considered NRM strongholds.
Additionally, the emergence of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), led by Dr. Kizza Besigye and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, has further complicated the NRM’s political landscape.
The internal struggles within the NRM are not confined to the leadership of Todwong and Odoi. The ongoing feud between Rebecca Kadaga, the former Speaker of Parliament, and Anita Among, the current Speaker, is another proof to the party’s internal dynamics.
Kadaga, once considered a key figure in the party, has become disillusioned with Among’s rise to power, viewing it as a direct challenge to her legacy. The animosity between the two has spilled over into the party’s activities, with Kadaga’s allies continuing to voice their dissatisfaction. This rivalry has further exacerbated the divisions within the NRM, highlighting the deepening fractures in the party’s leadership.
As the NRM approaches the 2026 elections, the pressure to resolve these internal divisions is mounting. Should the party win, the leadership decisions made in the aftermath will be critical in determining its long-term stability and success.
The reappointment of Lumumba as SG is viewed by many as a necessary step to restore order and cohesion within the party. As the saying goes, [A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush], and for many in the NRM, Lumumba’s return represents a trusted and experienced hand capable of guiding the party through the uncertainty ahead.
However, Todwong’s continued presence as SG is increasingly seen as untenable. His leadership has been characterized by a lack of effective coordination and strategic direction, leaving the party vulnerable to both internal and external challenges. As one proverb puts it, [When the drum beats, the dancer must move]. If Todwong fails to address the party’s internal problems, the NRM risks losing its political clout and influence.
The stakes are high for the NRM as it approaches the 2026 elections. The party must confront its internal divisions and reassert its leadership if it hopes to maintain its dominance.
If Lumumba’s reappointment occurs, it will likely signal a return to the strategic vision that defined her earlier tenure. In this volatile political environment, [When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter], and this reminds the NRM that weak leadership at a critical juncture could send the party into further disarray, making it susceptible to the rising forces of the opposition. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
