Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-09 15:53:06
President Museveni, the chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), has recently launched the update of the party’s voters’ register, indicating his intention to seek a seventh term in 2026. This move comes after months of speculation whether he would run again or support his son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for the presidency. By publicly renewing his party membership and signing the register, President Museveni has made it clear that he is gearing up for another term in office.
The launch of the voter registration exercise was a significant event, with the party aiming to increase its current 11 million faithful members. President Museveni emphasized the importance of understanding the needs of the people and providing solutions, which he believes the NRM can deliver. Senior party officials, including the party’s Electoral Commission chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi, have confirmed that President Museveni will be the only NRM flag-bearer for the 2026 election, quelling doubts and speculation about the party’s candidate.
NRM Secretary-General Richard Todwong expressed the party’s commitment to supporting President Museveni for another term, praising his leadership and legacy. Meanwhile, in the opposition camp, there is no clear challenger to President Museveni. Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and former president of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), is contemplating forming a new party following internal conflicts within the FDC.
In the National Unity Platform (NUP), cracks are beginning to show, with party leader Robert Kyagulanyi clashing with party officials over alleged misuse of public funds. Kyagulanyi replaced Mathias Mpuuga, the party’s deputy president for Buganda region, with Joel Ssenyonyi amid accusations of financial impropriety. Mpuuga defended himself against the allegations and refused to resign, leading to a public showdown within the party.
President Museveni has remained on the sidelines of these internal conflicts, portraying himself as a stable and experienced leader amidst the chaos in other political parties. As the political landscape in Uganda remains turbulent, President Museveni sees an opportunity to secure another term by positioning himself as a steady hand in a sea of infighting and discord among opposition parties.
The upcoming 2026 election presents a crucial moment for President Museveni to consolidate his power and solidify his legacy. With opposition parties grappling with internal strife and leadership disputes, he stands as the frontrunner in a political landscape fraught with uncertainty. As he prepares for his seventh term bid, President Museveni remains confident in his ability to lead Uganda through turbulent times and deliver on his promises to the electorate.
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