By Aggrey Baba
Senior Presidential Press Assistant and NRM mobiliser, Hajji Faruk Kirunda, has fired back at critics of President Yoweri Museveni’s fresh bid for the presidency, saying his recent nomination and unopposed endorsement of by the NRM structures is not only constitutional, but also revolutionary in nature.
In his weekly column published every monday in the New Vision, Kirunda explained that the decision was reached through proper party channels and represents the collective voice of millions of Ugandans.
He said those who have been questioning why Museveni is offering himself again have failed to appreciate the unique leadership character of the warrior. According to the presidential assistant, the endorsement was sealed by a strong backing from the party’s grassroots structures, especially the youth who understand the core values of revolutionary leadership and continuity.
Kirunda dismissed allegations that Museveni is too old to lead, stressing that age should not be used to undermine leadership experience, especially when the country continues to benefit from the NRM’s visionary direction.
“The same Constitution that was amended to remove term and age limits gave Ugandans the democratic space to decide. The NRM used mass adult suffrage to choose its flag bearer, and President Museveni emerged unopposed,” he said, adding that the president is still full of energy and determination to lead the party and the country through another cycle of transformation.
He referred to Museveni as a memory of history personified, whose decisions are shaped by a deep understanding of Africa’s past and the world at large, describing the President’s readiness to return in 2026 as a response to a “divine and popular call” and not mere personal interest.
He noted that Museveni’s leadership has remained unmatched, both in terms of consistency and achievements, citing examples such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), infrastructure expansion, and peace consolidation.
Quoting NRM’s own processes, Kirunda said no other political Party in Uganda has conducted internal elections and mass consultations with the same level of structure and depth as the ruling party. He added that the NRM’s 2026 roadmap and manifesto are already in motion and will further build on what has been achieved so far.
“The opposition has failed to present alternative candidates or policies that match what the NRM has done. Instead, they resort to abuse and misinformation. But President Museveni is not supposed to stop and wait for them to catch up,” Kirunda said, arguing that the NRM has remained a people-centred Party and its leadership is guided by the clarity of purpose and commitment to national transformation.
He said that while the opposition focuses on political theatre in Kampala, the NRM has maintained nationwide structures that are actively preparing for the 2026 general elections.
Kirunda went on to describe the road ahead as a “fight in the desert”, highlighting the enormous challenges that require not just popularity but tested leadership and deep revolutionary understanding.
He said the NRM and its candidate are prepared to face those challenges head-on.
Kirunda also condemned the negative publicity and falsehoods spread about the President by some media and opposition circles, saying Ugandans should instead reward him with their continued trust for staying the course and delivering results even in difficult times.
Kirunda said there is no one within the NRM who currently commands the same national appeal and trust as President Museveni and for that reason, the party and the people have chosen continuity over experimentation, and history will judge this moment as one of responsibility and foresight. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
