KAMPALA, UGANDA — Ten Ugandan sub-regions have unanimously endorsed President Yoweri Museveni for the 2026 presidential election and Phillip Kakuru for Chairperson of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) Entrepreneurs League. The endorsements, described as a rejection of money-driven campaigns, came from Greater Arua, Greater Nebbi, Karamoja, Tooro, Rwenzori, Bunyoro, Teso, Bugisu, Elgon/Sebei, and Busoga.
The move signals a potential shift within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, with delegates reportedly prioritizing candidates with clear vision and ideology over those engaging in patronage politics.
Related posts
Kakuru, a Senior Presidential Advisor on Trade and Investment, has campaigned on a platform of economic liberation through entrepreneurship.1 Addressing delegates in the Bunyoro region, Kakuru outlined his vision for inclusive growth. “Entrepreneurship isn’t about flashing cash. It’s about creating jobs, solving problems, and uplifting communities.2 Our power lies in ideas, not in envelopes,” he said. His campaign, which has focused on issues rather than monetary inducements, has resonated with a party base reportedly frustrated by traditional patronage.
In Bugisu, a youth leader reflected the sentiment, stating, “This is no longer a game of wallets; it’s a war for values and ideological orientation. We’re tired of being bought. We want to build Uganda.” Patrick Osire, Kumi District Entrepreneurship Chairman and National Vice Chairman of the Entrepreneurs League, added that with Kakuru, “Teso will have a voice in a conversation that brings change not only to our region but across the country.”
The regional endorsements underscore a unified call for socio-economic transformation. Jewitt James Locha, Entrepreneurs League Coordinator for Karamoja, praised Kakuru’s clarity: “He didn’t come with cash; he came with a vision that speaks to our struggles as taxpayers and entrepreneurs.” In Nebbi Municipality, delegate Okumlama Dan urged others to embrace innovation, saying, “We must amplify our views and transform our lives through creative solutions.”
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Afende Collins Dramani commended Kakuru’s agenda, citing tangible contributions. “Kakuru has injected over 100 million UGX (about $26,000) into a SACCO he established, a remarkable commitment to empowering entrepreneurs,” Dramani noted. This investment aims to support small-scale businesses, aligning with Kakuru’s focus on grassroots economic empowerment.
A regional coordinator in West Nile described Kakuru’s campaign as “a revolution in how we engage with politics.” Dr. Pascal Osire, Kumi District Entrepreneurs League Chairman, echoed this, stating, “For the first time, someone is asking what we believe, not how much we want.”
Political analyst Elias Tumwebaze, based in Kampala, described Kakuru’s approach as “the missing link between NRM’s historic mission and its future aspirations.” He added, “His emphasis on poverty alleviation, inclusive innovation, and economic empowerment resonates with a generation seeking purpose over patronage.”
Political observers note that Kakuru’s focus on service, sacrifice, and socio-economic progress has broad appeal. While independent verification is pending, a recent survey by a local think tank estimated a 70% favorability rating for both Museveni and Kakuru in each of the endorsing regions, reportedly surpassing other contenders.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 elections, these endorsements signal a maturing political landscape within the NRM. Delegates across the ten regions appear to have embraced a vision aligning with President Museveni’s long-standing commitment to stability and development, while Kakuru’s perspective aims to connect with younger voters and entrepreneurs.
“This isn’t just a campaign; it’s a movement,” said a Karamoja delegate. “We don’t need bribes to love our country or our party. Kakuru represents the NRM that President Museveni built—one rooted in service and transformation.”
With growing regional support and an expanding base of ideological supporters, Phillip Kakuru’s campaign seeks to redefine political engagement within the NRM, emphasizing ideas over financial incentives.
