By Spy Uganda
As the race to 2026 heats up, Uganda’s two main political forces — the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) — are already rolling out key activities in preparation for a showdown at the ballot.
In a formal communication issued by the Office of the National Chairman, the NRM has announced that its 1st Meeting of the 4th National Conference will be held from 27th to 28th August 2025 at the Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, under the theme “Building a Shared Prosperity: Investing in Uganda’s Future.”
The meeting is expected to serve as a strategic platform where top leadership decisions will be made, including the presentation and possible endorsement of the party’s 2026 presidential flag bearer. The agenda includes:
- A keynote address by the National Chairman, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
- Secretary General’s report.
- Presentation of nominees for key Central Executive Committee (CEC) positions, including:
- National Chairperson
- 1st and 2nd National Vice Chairpersons (male and female)
- Six regional Vice Chairpersons for East, Central, North, West, Kampala, and Karamoja.
- Passing of resolutions on CEC elections.
- Presentation and endorsement of the NRM 2026 Presidential Candidate.
- Address by the elected Flag Bearer.
- Anthems and adjournment.
The document, signed by Museveni on July 26, 2025, underscores the party’s steady march toward consolidating its internal leadership structure ahead of the national polls.
Meanwhile, in the opposition camp, NUP has commenced vetting its parliamentary and local government aspirants from Kampala. According to a statement from the party’s secretariat, the weeklong exercise kicks off today, Monday, July 28, and will run through Friday, August 1, 2025, at the party’s headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, along Bombo Road.
A detailed schedule has been released:
- Monday: Lubaga North, Nakawa West, Kawempe South
- Tuesday: Lubaga South, Nakawa West (second round), Kawempe North
- Wednesday: General assessments for all Kawempe, Nakawa, and Lubaga constituencies
- Thursday: Makindye West, Makindye East, Kampala Central
- Friday: Final review for Makindye West, Makindye East, and Kampala Central
NUP says the vetting is part of its efforts to ensure integrity, transparency, and quality leadership from the grassroots level to the national stage. However, it is yet to release timelines for upcountry vetting.
With both the NRM and NUP now officially activating their election engines, Uganda’s 2026 electoral season is firmly underway — promising high-stakes political maneuvering and intense competition.
