KAMPALA, Uganda — The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is holding elections for its Special Interest Groups (SIGs) with all eyes on a dramatic contest between two of the country’s wealthiest businessmen, King Ceasor Mulenga and Hassan Basajjabalaba.
The two tycoons are vying for key leadership roles within the party’s special organs, a critical step for NRM’s grassroots mobilization efforts leading up to the 2026 general elections. The elections, which began with delegate accreditation yesterday, will select leaders for the Women’s, Youth, Elders’, Workers’, and Persons with Disabilities’ leagues. The newly elected leaders will then take part in electing the party’s top body, the Central Executive Committee (CEC), on Thursday.
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Basajjabalaba, a prominent businessman and owner of Kampala International University (KIU), is leveraging his extensive political network and long history as an NRM cadre. He is a seasoned party figure and his supporters believe his financial influence and political experience give him an edge.
He faces a formidable challenge from Mulenga, a fellow educationist and proprietor of King Ceasor University. Mulenga has positioned himself as a fresh face in the party, highlighting his philanthropy and community service. His entry into the race has reportedly disrupted the political landscape, with his camp presenting him as an agent of change.
The contest is described as a two-horse race, with both camps accused of using their considerable wealth to court delegates. Multiple delegates who spoke to reporters indicated they have been approached by both candidates and received money or other incentives to secure their votes.
The NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, confirmed the delegate list for the Special Organs conferences includes Members of Parliament from the various interest groups, as well as elected officials at the national, district, and municipal levels.
According to NRM spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo, more than 21,000 delegates are expected to cast their votes. While the high-profile race between Mulenga and Basajjabalaba dominates the headlines, other seats are also being closely contested, including the Women’s League where incumbent Lydia Wanyoto is facing new challengers.
