President Yoweri Museveni concluded the NRM Delegates Conference on Thursday with a firm appeal to leaders across all levels to intensify the fight against corruption—especially at the district level—warning that such misconduct erodes public trust and weakens the party's unity.

Museveni made it clear that corruption must be rejected and dealt with decisively.

He urged NRM leaders not to alienate the party's 20 million members through misuse of public resources and acts of injustice. “Stop frustrating our members with corruption and unethical behavior. This creates division,” he warned, noting that several corrupt officials had already been apprehended.

The President also reminded attendees of the NRM’s seven foundational principles, beginning with peace, which he said is maintained by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF). However, he emphasized that local leaders must take greater responsibility in monitoring crime, overseeing service delivery, and supporting government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).

On the topic of infrastructure, Museveni underscored the importance of maintaining public assets like roads, health centers, and schools. He cautioned against the misallocation of funds meant for routine road maintenance. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing free education in government schools, clean water access in villages, and reliable drug supplies in health facilities.

He also emphasized that creating wealth at the household level is vital and called on leaders to ensure PDM funds reach beneficiaries without deductions. “Each family should accumulate some wealth. Leaders must see that these funds are distributed fairly and used well so people can repay and benefit again,” he said.

Museveni pointed out persistent issues—such as deteriorating roads, lack of clean water, high school fees, and drug shortages—as factors that frustrate citizens and fuel unnecessary opposition to the ruling party. He said solving these problems would strengthen the bond between the government and its people.

In his closing remarks, the President called attention to Uganda's broader ambitions, including tapping into regional and continental markets and pushing for the East African political federation, which he views as critical for long-term strategic security. He thanked the delegates for their support and emphasized the need for unity in safeguarding the achievements of the NRM.

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Key Resolutions from the NRM National Delegates Conference

During the conference, several resolutions were passed aimed at reinforcing Uganda's economic growth, enhancing regional integration, and officially confirming President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as party president and candidate for the 2026 general elections.

NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, while reading the resolutions, praised President Museveni’s strategic vision document, describing it as a roadmap that honors the NRM’s revolutionary heritage and envisions a transformed and unified Africa.

Todwong also highlighted the remarkable economic progress Uganda has made since 1986, noting a 17-fold increase in GDP, substantial advancements in value addition, and the country's shift toward a knowledge-based economy.

“Peace remains the bedrock of all our achievements,” Todwong emphasized, stating it forms the foundation for Uganda's ongoing development journey.

The delegates committed to preserving peace and security in Uganda, the East African region, and the African continent, while promoting a development model focused on empowering citizens, creating wealth, utilizing ICT to expand job opportunities, increasing market access, and driving industrial growth.

The conference also reaffirmed NRM’s commitment to African unity and integration, seeing it as vital to regional security.

The presence of international guests was acknowledged, with delegations from South Africa’s ANC, Rwanda’s RPF, South Sudan’s SPLM, and Venezuela’s ruling party in attendance. Apologies were received from parties such as Zimbabwe’s ZANU–PF, Angola’s MPLA, Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party, and Algeria’s National Liberation Front.

Internally, the conference unanimously confirmed President Museveni as NRM’s National Chairman and presidential flagbearer for the 2026 elections.

Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo was retained as the First National Vice Chairman, while Speaker Anita Annet Among was endorsed as the Second National Vice Chairperson. Regional vice chairpersons were also selected, including:

• Mr. Calvin Echodu (Eastern)

• Hon. Haruna Kasolo (Central)

• Hon. Denis Hamson Obua (Northern)

• Mr. Asiimwe Jonard (Western)

• Mr. Lokii John-Baptist (Karamoja)

• Mr. Uhuru Salim (Kampala)

Leaders of key party organs were also elected:

• Col. Tom Butime (Historical Leaders Forum)

• Ms. Komuhangi Adrine (Women’s League)

• Mr. Tanga Coleman (Youth League)

• Hon. Business Penina Kabingani (Elders Forum)

• Shafik Mwanj (People with Disabilities)

• Mr. Mushabe Moses (Veterans League)

Todwong firmly stated that the party would not tolerate corruption or election-related malpractice. “We strongly denounce all forms of bribery, criminal behavior, and manipulation of elections, and we support prompt investigations into such matters,” he said.

He also reminded members that election disputes should be addressed through legal processes. “Once results are announced, any challenge must be handled in court—that is the lawful path we will follow,” he affirmed.

However, due to concerns raised during the vote for the Youth League chairperson, the resolutions were adjusted to include a formal investigation by the party’s elections tribunal into allegations of irregularities in that process.

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