In an unprecedented shakeup of the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) internal leadership, the recently concluded central executive committee (CEC) elections saw a sweeping defeat of many incumbent heavyweights, replaced by relatively young and dynamic figures.
Only the elections of the youth and entrepreneurs’ leagues were postponed until further notice after reports of irregularities emerged.
The remaining 15 CEC elective positions were filled. There are 17 elective positions that make up part of the 28-member CEC structure.
Notable veteran members defeated are Rebecca Kadaga, Capt. Mike Mukula, Dr Chris Baryomunsi and Lydia Wanyoto, all of whom were vying to retain their positions.
Their exit, some under protest, underscores deep tensions within the party and a broader appetite for leadership renewal, a significant message from members.
Wilgas Kasakya, the NRM generalsecretary for Jinja, observed: “I think the trend has changed because the youth are agitating for leadership and you know the hype has been so high with new candidates coming in. Whoever was contesting as a new leader, there was a lot of vibe, forcing the old leaders to pull out at the last minute. Those who remained were defeated.”
Bovical Bwambale, a councillor from Kanara town council in Ntoroko district, said the elections signalled a fresh start.
“We have elected new leaders because we wanted to have new people with new energy. This shows that everyone has an opportunity to lead,” he said.
Sulait Mulilo, the NRM chairperson of Kanara town council, said the old leaders did nothing for the party, the reason they were voted out. Political analyst and lawyer Bosco Kitandwe argued the transition should not surprise anyone.
“This is a clear indication that the young people are also yearning for change. You know that saying that youth are the leaders of tomorrow? Well, I think that tomorrow has come,” he said.
Prof. Sabiti Makara, a political scientist at Makerere University, described the outcome as a “natural generational shift” in a party that has been in power for nearly four decades.
ENG. JONARD ASIIMWE (VICE-CHAIRPERSON WESTERN)
Asiimwe is an accomplished engineer and NRM chairperson of Hoima city. He brings over a decade of technical expertise in Uganda’s oil, gas and infrastructure sectors.
He holds a master’s in oil and gas governance and is currently pursuing a PhD in stakeholder engagement. Asiimwe has led major projects, including the Tilenga Quarry and Kabaale International Airport construction, while also playing key roles at firms such as Mota- Engil and Optima Mines.
He is the executive director of Jonard Conglomerate Investments Limited and founder of the Jonard Development Foundation. His work has not only created jobs for the youth, but has also helped mentor and support grassroots sports development, including sponsorship of several football clubs.
His five-year development agenda includes the creation of 10,000 jobs, 250 digital export ventures, and extensive youth empowerment programmes through sports and trade academies.
Asked about the strategies he used to defeat Baryomunsi, Asiimwe said he is a man of the people and was constantly on the ground, adding that he runs a number of foundations that sponsor young people in education, both in and outside the country.
“I work with people and support many. I also interact a lot with the communities. I have a number of community engagements that bring me closer to the people; for example, there are several football clubs that I support including Mbale Heroes, Kampala Queens, and Kitara FC,” he said.
DENIS HAMSON OBUA (VICE-CHAIRPERSON, NORTHERN)
Currently the Government Chief Whip, Obua has been a consistent figure on Uganda’s political scene. Ever since the demise of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah in March 2022, this position has been vacant.
Obua represents Ajuri County (Alebtong district) in Parliament and has held multiple leadership roles, including state minister for sports. With academic credentials from Uganda Christian University and the Law Development Centre, Obua brings legal and administrative expertise to CEC.
His political career began in 2006 when he served as the youth MP for northern Uganda.
ALDRINE KOBUSINGYE (CHAIRPERSON WOMEN’S LEAGUE
A tea farmer, businesswoman and social entrepreneur from Bushenyi district, Kobusingye holds a degree in development studies and has a passion for community transformation.
She has led several initiatives such as the Igara-Buhweju Tea Farmers SACCO and serves on the board of the Uganda Hotel Owners’ Association.
Kobusingye defeated the incumbent (Wanyoto) and several other women including Faridah Kibowa, the former women’s council chairperson.
“Women belong to all places where vital decisions are made. We can run a hotel, a company, or a farm.
What men can do, women can do better,” Kobusingye said.
She pledged to mentor and empower women into entrepreneurship and political careers, areas dominated by men, for their socio-economic transformation.
SHAFIK MWANJE (CHAIRPERSON PWDS’ LEAGUE)
Mwanje is a prominent coffee farmer and politician. He has been the NRM chairperson for Bukomansimbi district since 2016 and was re-elected unopposed for the 2025–2031 term.
His political journey began in 2011 as a district councillor representing persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Bukomansimbi. Mwanje said his focus is on tangible development and empowerment of PWDs, who he urged to become self-reliant.
“Development is the only language I know. I want to talk as I work. I encourage and support PWDs to be selfsustaining,” he said.
HARUNA KASOLO KYEYUNE (VICE-CHAIRPERSON BUGANDA)
Kasolo is the state minister for microfinance, a position to which he was appointed in June 2016. He served as the elected parliamentary representative for Kyotera County in Kyotera district during the 10th Parliament (2016–2021). He was in 2021 defeated by the Democratic Party’s John Paul Mpalanyi Lukwago.
Kasolo, who is seeking re-election as an MP, also runs several private businesses.
SALIM UHURU (VICE-CHAIRPERSON KAMPALA)
Uhuru is the current mayor of Kampala Central division. A renowned entrepreneur, famous for his pilau rice, Uhuru began his journey in the family restaurant business before venturing into politics in 2006.
Born in Mengo in 1971, Uhuru now runs one of Kampala’s oldest restaurant chains, which he took over from his late father. He attended Buganda Road Primary School, Kololo High and Old Kampala Secondary Schools. He also holds a diploma in catering.
As the only NRM mayoral candidate elected in Kampala in 2021, Uhuru remains a strong pillar of NRM in the capital.
LT (RTD) MOSES MUSHABE (VETERANS’ LEAGUE)
Mushabe, who retired at the rank of lieutenant, defeated a two-star general, Maj. Gen. (rtd) Jim Muhwezi.
Mushabe secured 1,047 votes, nearly doubling Muhwezi’s 570 votes. Other candidates including Titus Erisa Kiwanuka and Jackson Walusimbi, trailed far behind with 11 and 07 votes, respectively.
Although Mushabe acknowledged Muhwezi’s past service to veterans, he criticised the previous leadership for neglecting those who sacrificed for the nation.
DR JOHN BAPTIST LOKII (VICE- CHAIRPERSON KARAMOJA)
Lokii is the current MP of Matheniko County in Moroto district. He is a strong advocate of education and peace in the Karamoja subregion.
He serves as an ex-officio member of the Karamoja Peace and Technology University Project University Council.
Lokii’s leadership is grounded in regional development and stability.
