By Aggrey Baba
Just hours after the National Resistance Movement (NRM) unveiled its presidential poster for the 2026 elections yesterday, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Bakireke Namboze raised sharp concerns over President Yoweri Museveni’s names, questioning whether the changes followed proper legal procedures and warning of growing public confusion.
On NBS TV’s Baromenter show, Nambooze explained that while Museveni used Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2016 elections and added Tibuhaburwa in 2021, the new poster lists only Yoweri Museveni, dropping both Kaguta and Tibuhaburwa. She suggested that such inconsistencies fuel doubts about the Museveni’s official identity and whether the changes were processed legally.
The firebrand MP also highlighted that Museveni has previously admitted not knowing his exact birthdate, yet continues to celebrate birthdays, leaving Ugandans puzzled over his age and official personal details. Namboze contrasted this with her own legal experience of adding her husband’s name, Bakireke, which required swearing an affidavit and gazette publication before it could be used publicly, implying that similar formalities may not have been observed in the President’s case.
The comments come as the NRM prepares for the 2026 elections, emphasizing its development record and party legacy. NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong had earlier on the day highlighted progress in infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, and access to clean water, while pointing to 2.5 million elected leaders in recent internal elections as evidence of the party’s unmatched grassroots reach, framing the elections as a continuation of the party’s development agenda.
NRM Vice Chairman Kigongo stressed that party members must take responsibility for their political outcomes rather than blaming officials, highlighting that the party competes on issues rather than personalities.
Alongside the poster unveiling, the NRM announced vetting for Central Executive Committee candidates at State House, Entebbe, starting today, followed by a National Executive Council meeting and a delegates’ conference at Kololo Independence Grounds on August 27-28, where over 45,000 delegates, including opposition leaders and foreign guests, are expected.
Namboze’s critique underscores rising calls for transparency in Kyadondo, raising public scrutiny over the legality and consistency of the Museveni’s names. Her observations suggest that even within the NRM, questions of accountability and clarity remain unresolved as the party positions itself for the 2026 elections.
