Officials from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretariat recently met with President Museveni at his country home in Rwakitura. Among the items on their agenda was a pitch for a week-long series of activities intended, according to them, to galvanize the NRM message.
However, skeptics suggest these efforts may merely be another opportunity to siphon funds without yielding tangible results.
The current leadership of the NRM Secretariat, under Richard Todwong, is widely viewed as arguably the weakest line-up ever tasked with steering the party.
This criticism comes on the heels of unexpected election losses in areas such as Kisoro and Oram, as well as the sweeping victories by the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Buganda and Busoga.
At one of the campaigns in Oyam, secretariat officials reportedly told President Museveni, who is also the party chairman, that they had done their best but that “things refuse.”
This admission has been interpreted as an own goal by a group whose primary role is to turn around the party's fortunes.
Consequently, meetings between the NRM chairman and secretariat officials have become akin to autopsy sessions, often ending with discussions about the financial costs of addressing the failures.
Unsurprisingly, Todwong’s position as secretary general has become the most contested role in the NRM. His tenure is seen as less about his effectiveness and more about the lack of a suitable replacement in a field crowded with potential candidates.
According to sources, Todwong came close to being replaced twice in recent reshuffles, with former Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura emerging as a potential successor.
The situation became even more apparent following a family meeting between President Museveni and Gen Kayihura’s family, further fueled by the lobbying of Museveni’s son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Reports also indicate that at least two members of the secretariat, including Todwong’s deputy, have informally expressed their willingness to take on the role, citing Todwong’s perceived docility.
Critics argue that Todwong lacks the strategic acumen of predecessors like Amama Mbabazi or the mobilisation skills of Kasule Lumumba. Instead, he is viewed as a competent but miscast individual.
The secretariat has faced repeated criticism for underperformance despite significant financial outlays. For example, the team reportedly spent Shs400 million organising “line-up-behind-the-candidate” primaries, only to select a candidate who lost to an independent in the final election.
In the Soroti Municipality elections, the NRM only narrowly secured a win for Raymond Ariko against the FDC’s Moses Atan, largely thanks to the intervention of Speaker Anita Among.
Witnesses noted that the secretariat staff had left for Kampala after the final rally, seemingly resigned to defeat.
In Oyam, what seemed like a sure victory slowly slipped away, culminating in one of the most straightforward defeats the party has ever faced.
The financial implications of these failures further compound the perception of a dysfunctional secretariat.
Insiders attribute the NRM’s operational inefficiencies to a lack of coordination within the secretariat. Members are reportedly pursuing their individual agendas, from launching books to engaging in unrelated activities, while others accompany the President on ad hoc assignments.
This disarray prompted government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo to publicly call out the secretariat.
Todwong’s position has become increasingly precarious, with many predicting his eventual removal or reassignment. The growing number of individuals vying for the role suggests that change may be inevitable.
Whether Todwong retains his position or another body is established to handle party affairs, the situation underscores the mounting pressure within the NRM leadership.