Thursday, July 10, 2025
UG Standard - Latest News
  • Home
  • News
    • DIPLOMACY
    • COURT
    • AFRICA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • INTERVIEW:
    • National
    • Parliament
    • World
    • Regional
  • Business
    • AGRIBUSINESS
    • OIL & GAS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECH
    • INNOVATIONS
    • TELCOM
  • OpED
  • EDUCATION
  • INVESTIGATION
    • NATIONAL ARCHIVE
    • SPECIAL REPORT
    • ANALYSIS
  • FEATURES
    • SOCIETY
    • Community
    • Pictorial
    • PROFILES
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • ENVIRONMENT
  • Tours & Travel
    • Hotel & Hospitality
  • Sports
  • About Us
  • Login
UG Standard - Latest News
ADVERTISEMENT

Intense Contest for NRM CEC Positions Signals Succession Anxieties

by MANFRED TUMUSIIME | UG STANDARD REPORTER
10/07/2025
in News
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

KAMPALA, Uganda — The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is gripped by an intense internal contest for positions on its Central Executive Committee (CEC), a race that analysts say extends beyond mere intraparty ambition to reveal a complex web of political calculations and underlying anxieties about succession and strategic positioning within Uganda’s political landscape.

Veteran politicians and analysts describe the stiff competition for seats on the NRM’s top organ as indicative of its pivotal role. The CEC is not just a party structure; it functions as the de facto nucleus of political decision-making in Uganda. It advises the party chairperson, President Yoweri Museveni, and often acts as the final arbiter on critical matters ranging from parliamentary candidature to cabinet appointments.

Related posts

Nathan Okiror is the Team Leader, Imagine Her

Equipping Youth with Skills for a Sustainable Future: A Mission We Must All Embrace

10/07/2025
160
State Minister for Trade Wilson Mbadi led Uganda's delegation at the Uganda - Indonesia Business Forum held at Park Hyatt, Jakarta. The forum was organized by the High Commission of Uganda in Malaysia with the aim of wooing Indonesian investors

Uganda-Indonesia Business Forum Unveils Strategic Opportunities

10/07/2025
153
David and Deborah Mutaaga, aged 69 and 62, were stabbed to death in their Entebbe home. Police are investigating the crime, which showed no signs of forced entry.

Entebbe Couple’s Murder Linked to Property Dispute

10/07/2025
194
Meet Sylvia Elsheikh, MTN Uganda's new chief marketing officer. Learn about her extensive telecom marketing career across Africa and her vision for the company.

Who is Sylvia Elsheikh, the new MTN Uganda chief marketing head?

10/07/2025
172

“To be on CEC is to have a direct hand in shaping Uganda’s political architecture, and the stiff competition is a reflection of both the enduring centrality of the NRM in the country’s political life and the growing undercurrents of transition politics,” said Crispin Kaheru, a member of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. “The scramble is not just for power within the party; it is for positioning within the broader national context. The 2025 CEC race, therefore, is as much about today’s influence as it is about tomorrow’s leadership.”

Uganda's President Museveni, nominated for 2026, outlines a six-point agenda for his next term, prioritizing economic transformation, security, and infrastructure
Uganda’s President Museveni, nominated for 2026, outlines a six-point agenda for his next term, prioritizing economic transformation, security, and infrastructure

Emmanuel Dombo, the NRM spokesperson, underscored the CEC’s critical function, explaining that the organ has delegated authority to manage party affairs. “CEC approves all major appointments by the party, designates all positions in the committees of parliament and the Parliamentary Commission and it is in a vintage position in case one was to lobby for anything or for anyone,” he said.

Dombo suggested the high level of competition this election cycle might stem from the fact that some positions have not seen an election in over a decade. “The new entrants feel the other leaders have stayed for enough time and should give way for others, and yet the old ones feel they now have the requisite experience to stay put,” said Dombo, who served as Bunyole East MP for 20 years. He further argued that the intense competition reflects the increasing importance of political parties in shaping state affairs.

300 Aspirants for 17 Elective Posts

Following the close of nominations for CEC positions last Friday, Dr. Tanga Odoi, the NRM’s electoral commission chairperson, announced that 300 members expressed interest in various roles within the party’s top organ. These 300 hopefuls will contest for 17 elective positions out of the 28 total CEC positions.

The elective CEC positions include: party chairperson, two national vice-chairpersons (one female, one male), six regional vice-chairpersons and eight league chairpersons. Non-elective positions comprise the secretary general, deputy secretary general, national treasurer, the chairperson of the party’s parliamentary caucus, and the chairpersons of the special league committees and commissions.

“For many political heavyweights, therefore, gaining a seat at that table is about wielding influence that extends far beyond party lines,” Kaheru noted.

Transition Politics and Strategic Positioning

Kaheru argued that securing a CEC seat represents an investment in political capital, relevance and protection, with access often determining survival for some individuals.

“While President Museveni remains firmly in control, there is an unspoken but increasingly palpable conversation about succession. This conversation could also be informing political strategy. Aligning with or positioning within CEC becomes a strategic hedge against the uncertainties of transition,” Kaheru added.

Analysts suggest that prominent figures such as Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, supported by former power brokers like former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and former Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa, are not merely seeking to win seats; they are strategically laying markers for future influence.

Among, who is seeking re-election as Bukedea Woman MP, is also vying for the CEC position of second national vice-chairperson (female), currently held by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga, who seeks to retain it.

“My standing is to bring value to CEC and the party. The value that I am going to bring to the party is in terms of mobilization and making women at national level a priority,” Among stated.

Kadaga, who also seeks re-election as Kamuli Woman MP, emphasized her role in advocating for the creation of the second national vice-chairperson (female) position and expressed confidence in retaining it. She explained that the position was established to ensure women’s perspectives informed NRM’s policy output, Cabinet decisions and parliamentary discussions.

“This position was lobbied for by the NRM women members to bring the women’s perspectives into policy, programmes and innovation of the party,” Kadaga said.

Analysts also note the entry of President Museveni’s brother, Sedrack Kaguta Nzeire, suggesting the First Family’s interest in maintaining control over strategic levers of power within the party. Nzeire, current NRM chairperson for Kiruhura district, is contesting for the party’s vice-chairperson seat for the western region, currently held by Information Minister and Kinkizi East MP Dr. Chris Baryomunsi.

“Proud to accept the NRM vice-chairperson nomination for the western region. My campaign poster speaks for itself — unity, action, loyalty. Together, we’ll amplify your voice and build on our grassroots legacy,” Nzeire stated.

The re-emergence of veteran political actors like former Vice Presidents Prof. Gilbert Bukenya and Edward Ssekandi as “kingmakers” or endorsers in this race signals what analysts describe as a reactivation of dormant factions within the NRM. Both Bukenya and Ssekandi, a former speaker of Parliament, accompanied microfinance state minister Haruna Kasolo as he sought to unseat Godfrey Kiwanda from the CEC position of NRM vice-chairperson for the central region/Buganda. Kiwanda, a former MP and minister, also vowed to retain his CEC position.

Kasolo described the political backing from Bukenya and Ssekandi as a “strong” push from NRM pillars in the central region. “We want a mobilizer and somebody who will fill up that gap. People in the central region are undecided, but there is no person who can persuade them to go to the government side,” Kasolo argued.

Kaheru explained that these are not mere endorsements but “alignments of ideological and strategic intent.” “What we are witnessing, therefore, is not chaos, but calculated coalition-building. Different political clusters within the party are coalescing around candidates they believe best represent their interests in a changing power terrain,” he said.

This, Kaheru suggested, could explain the rivalry between Among and Kadaga, framing it as a contest “not just of personalities, but of constituencies within the State.”

For others, CEC membership offers something more personal: legitimacy and political insulation. “For instance, politicians facing local discontent, internal party rivalries or corruption allegations often see CEC membership as a form of political indemnity,” Kaheru said. “It offers direct access to the President and can be wielded as both a shield and a sword in navigating Uganda’s turbulent political waters.”

Seasoned NRM politicians told New Vision that the symbolism of who backs whom is paramount. “It speaks volumes about the behind-the-scenes negotiations within Uganda’s political establishment. These are not just political blessings, they are signals to the wider political class about who is in or out of favor, and where future power may lie,” one veteran NRM politician stated. “In a context where formal structures may at times be subordinate to informal influence, such endorsements matter.”

Share this:

  • Share
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Tags: amama mbabaziAnita AmongCECCentral Executive CommitteeEdward Ssekandielectoral contestGilbert Bukenyainternal politicsNational Resistance MovementNRMparty electionsparty leadershipparty organspolitical influencepolitical maneuveringpolitical strategypolitical successionRebecca KadagaSam KutesaSedrack Kaguta NzeireThomas TayebwaUgandaYoweri Museveni

Related Posts

 Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians
News

 Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians

05/11/2022
0
306

Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians RAMALLAH, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas...

Read moreDetails
Equity ranked 4th strongest banking brand globally on brand strength, scoring 92.4 points out of 100

 Equity Bank Under Scrutiny for Alleged Role in UGX.3bn Fake Gold Scam

09/07/2024
621
Minister of Health Dr. Ruth Aceng and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwiine pay their respects at the burial of Dr. Joshua Musinguzi, a champion in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Their presence honors his legacy and dedication to improving healthcare in Uganda.

 FULL LIST: Health Service Commission Shortlists Applicants for Key Roles

18/06/2025
1.3k
Kabuleta and other opposition politicians have teamed up to put an end to Museveni's leadership

 Kabuleta, other opposition politicians team up to put an end to Museveni’s leadership

27/02/2024
499
Load More

Popular Articles

  • Check out the top schools with pupils who scored 6 in 4 aggregates in the 2024 PLE results, as released by UNEB

    PLE 2024 Results: Top Schools with 6 in 4 Aggregates

    4375 shares
    Share 1750 Tweet 1094
  • How to Renew Your National ID Online: NIRA Pre-Registration Portal 2025 Guide

    4042 shares
    Share 1617 Tweet 1011
  • NIRA unveils high-tech National ID, mass enrollment set to begin

    2666 shares
    Share 1066 Tweet 667
  • FULL LIST: Ministry of Education, NCDC publish self-study workbooks amid COVID-19 lockdown

    3323 shares
    Share 1348 Tweet 823
  • How to Check PLE Results 2024 on Phone, Online

    1785 shares
    Share 714 Tweet 446
  • PLE 2024 Results: UNEB Clarifies on Release Date

    1651 shares
    Share 660 Tweet 413
  • MPs clear govt to cancel 2020 academic year

    2796 shares
    Share 1150 Tweet 686

Recent Articles

Nathan Okiror is the Team Leader, Imagine Her

Equipping Youth with Skills for a Sustainable Future: A Mission We Must All Embrace

10/07/2025
State Minister for Trade Wilson Mbadi led Uganda's delegation at the Uganda - Indonesia Business Forum held at Park Hyatt, Jakarta. The forum was organized by the High Commission of Uganda in Malaysia with the aim of wooing Indonesian investors

Uganda-Indonesia Business Forum Unveils Strategic Opportunities

10/07/2025
Official launch of the “Ebyakabi nze abirina #SityaMbeera” campaign, empowering boda-boda riders.

Vivo Energy Uganda Launches Rider Empowerment Campaign

10/07/2025
David and Deborah Mutaaga, aged 69 and 62, were stabbed to death in their Entebbe home. Police are investigating the crime, which showed no signs of forced entry.

Entebbe Couple’s Murder Linked to Property Dispute

10/07/2025
Meet Sylvia Elsheikh, MTN Uganda's new chief marketing officer. Learn about her extensive telecom marketing career across Africa and her vision for the company.

Who is Sylvia Elsheikh, the new MTN Uganda chief marketing head?

10/07/2025
Uganda's Ministry of Lands has delivered over 57,000 freehold titles in nine districts as part of a World Bank-supported program, with plans to issue 300,000 more to boost land security and curb disputes.

Government Distributes Over 57,000 Free Land Titles to Residents

10/07/2025
(L-R) Rally drivers Oscar Ntambi, Nasser Mutebi, and Mike Mukula Jr.

KCB Bank-Backed Trio Prepares for Uganda’s Bugerere Stabex EMC Rally

10/07/2025

Recent CommentsRecent Comments

  • The Journey of Ibrahim Traoré on How President Ibrahim Traoré’s ambitious vision is driving Burkina Faso’s economic growth push
  • Ugandan Scientists Finalists For European Inventors Prize — Press Uganda on Ugandan scientists finalists for European inventors prize
  • Government Pumps UGX1 Trillion Into UDB To Drive Industrialization, SME Growth — Press Uganda on Government pumps UGX1 Trillion into UDB to drive Industrialization, SME growth
  • PS Ggoobi Tips On Building USD 500b Economy — Press Uganda on PS Ggoobi tips on building USD 500b economy
  • Museveni Meets German Envoy Matthias Schauer After Subversion Claims — Press Uganda on Museveni meets German envoy Matthias Schauer after subversion claims

UG Standard - Latest News

UG Standard, published via www.ugstandard.com isa publication of Sahel Media Solutions Ltd, a professional Digital/New Media company in Uganda info@ugstandard.com

Follow us on social media:

Latest News

  • Equipping Youth with Skills for a Sustainable Future: A Mission We Must All Embrace
  • Uganda-Indonesia Business Forum Unveils Strategic Opportunities
  • Vivo Energy Uganda Launches Rider Empowerment Campaign
  • Entebbe Couple’s Murder Linked to Property Dispute
  • Who is Sylvia Elsheikh, the new MTN Uganda chief marketing head?
  • Government Distributes Over 57,000 Free Land Titles to Residents

OpED

Equipping Youth with Skills for a Sustainable Future: A Mission We Must All Embrace

Fueling the Future: How Pesapal’s Forecourt Management Solution is Transforming Uganda’s Petroleum Sector

HELLEN MASIKA: From Darkness to Solar Light in Kijumba 

Why de-register a Motor Vehicle in Uganda: and Consequences of Non-Compliance

Challenges of taxing law firms in Uganda

© 2024 Ugstandard - Latest News by Digital/New Media company.

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • DIPLOMACY
    • COURT
    • AFRICA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • INTERVIEW:
    • National
    • Parliament
    • World
    • Regional
  • Business
    • AGRIBUSINESS
    • OIL & GAS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECH
    • INNOVATIONS
    • TELCOM
  • OpED
  • EDUCATION
  • INVESTIGATION
    • NATIONAL ARCHIVE
    • SPECIAL REPORT
    • ANALYSIS
  • FEATURES
    • SOCIETY
    • Community
    • Pictorial
    • PROFILES
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • ENVIRONMENT
  • Tours & Travel
    • Hotel & Hospitality
  • Sports
  • About Us

© 2024 Ugstandard - Latest News by Digital/New Media company.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
%d