By Aggrey Baba
A total of 305 aspirants have officially picked nomination forms in an exercise which clouded on Thursiday, to contest for the 17 elective positions in the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the NRM, marking the begining of an intense internal contest within the party’s top leadership structures.
The CEC comprises 28 members, of which 17 are elective. These include the National Chairperson, two Vice Chairpersons (general and female), six regional Vice Chairpersons, and eight heads of party leagues such as the Women’s League, Youth League, Entrepreneurs League, and others. The remaining 11 seats are appointive, including roles such as Secretary General and Treasurer.
The internal race comes ahead of the NRM Delegates Conference where the leadership of the party’s highest decision-making organ is expected to be determined. The delegates’ meeting will also approve constitutional reforms and the composition of critical party committees.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has led the party since its formation, remains unopposed for the position of National Chairperson and presidential flagbearer.
His continued hold on the top seat reaffirms his central role in shaping the party’s vision and direction, with delegates expected to officially endorse him during the upcoming conference.
The contest has drawn a mix of incumbents and fresh faces, with some veteran politicians aiming to reclaim influence while others seek to inject new energy into the party’s structures.
Several aspirants if elected, have promised to use their positions to mobilize grassroots support and restore confidence in the party’s leadership, especially in urban and central regions where the NRM has recently seen declining support.
Candidates include seasoned figures such as Rebecca Kadaga, whose toughest opponent is the sitting speaker of parliament, Annete Anita Among, is seeking re-election as Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), and Mike Mukula, who’s facing stiff competition from Hon. Calvin Echodu ,is contesting again for Vice Chairperson Eastern Region.
Meanwhile, youthful and business-oriented contenders like Caesar Mulenga are aiming for the Entrepreneurs League chair, promising to make credit more accessible to small- enterprises aligned to NRM structures.
Aspirants have been traversing various regions to consult party members and secure backing from district leaders and mobilisers. Several of them have also cited the need for the CEC to become more responsive to grassroots concerns, particularly on land rights, youth employment, and the effectiveness of government programs.
The nomination process, which took place at the NRM Electoral Commission offices in Kampala, will be followed by a national delegates’ conference where final voting and endorsements will be made.
