By Aggrey Baba
In a move that could bring together old rivals, top opposition leaders are expected to attend the NRM national delegates’ conference later this month.
As the African proverb says, “When the drums change, the dancers must also change their steps,” and this meeting could signal a change in Uganda’s political rhythm.
Hon. Emmanuel Ddombo,the NRM director of communications said the party has invited leaders of all political parties for the August 27–28, 2025 event at Kololo Independence Grounds, explaining that this is part of political courtesy, where parties invite each other to important events, even though the NRM has not received such invitations from others.
According to Ddombo, the conference will also host guests from Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, China and Venezuela, with the main purpose being to elect new members to the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC). Before voting, CEC will meet to vet candidates and handle any other issues raised by the national chairman, secretary general or members.
Ddombo said the vetting will be fair, even though some members doing the vetting are also contesting.
He said accreditation will take place at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology in Nakawa, and lists of delegates have already been sent to the districts, and preparations are being made to ensure all delegates are well catered for.
Ddombo said about 50,000 people are expected, including 25,000 who will attend special interest group meetings before the main delegates’ conference, which will bring together 28,000 participants.
Observers note that it is rare for opposition leaders to attend such a major NRM event. As another proverb warns, “When two elephants meet, the grass must watch its footing,” and Kololo may soon be the ground where political heavyweights briefly stand side by side. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
