NRM youths in Ssembabule warn party leaders of potential upset in 2026 polls

With the 2026 general elections still some time away, young members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Sembabule district have raised alarms about the rising influence of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

They caution that without immediate and decisive action from the party leadership, the NUP could potentially seize every seat in the district.

Benjamin Lumu , an NRM youth mobilizer in Sembabule, voiced his concerns, emphasizing the urgency for the party leaders to address the situation.

"Our party is likely to face an existential threat from the NUP. If you can rate the speed at which people are defecting from our NRM to join NUP, our top leaders must act now or regret forever," Lumu stated.

The warnings from the NRM youths reflect the changing political dynamics in Sembabule.

Historically, Sembabule has been a stronghold for the NRM, often garnering over 80 percent of the votes in elections.

However, the 2021 elections marked a significant shift, with the NUP capturing some key positions, including the Mawogola South MP seat won by NUP’s Goreti Namugga.

John Kasumba , another NRM supporter in Sembabule, expressed frustration over the perceived neglect from senior party leaders.

"We always see our members of parliament like Hon. Sekikubo moving district to district across the country, actively engaging in national matters. But when it comes to supporting the party on the ground, it becomes a problem," Kasumba said.

The youths also highlighted the inactivity of the NRM offices in the district, which they claim remain closed, providing an advantage to the opposition parties.

"We wonder why our office is always closed yet those of competitors in opposition are always open," they lamented.

In response to these concerns, Dr. Elly Muhumuza, the former Sembabule district chairman and current NRM secretary in Sembabule, dismissed the claims, asserting that the youths were not recognized members of the party.

"NUP is just a wave of youths and we can’t give them much time. For us, we are now focused on working for our people," Dr. Muhumuza stated.

Dr. Muhumuza downplayed the threat posed by the NUP, suggesting that the opposition lacks a concrete agenda and rose to prominence merely due to a passing wave of youthful enthusiasm.

Despite the party leadership's reassurances, the concerns raised by the NRM youths cannot be overlooked.

The 2021 elections, which were marked by political violence and intense rivalry, serve as a stark reminder of the volatile political landscape in Sembabule.

As the 2026 elections approach, the NRM faces the critical task of re-engaging with its base and countering the growing influence of the NUP to maintain its longstanding dominance in the region.