The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Richard Todwong, has urged all party members and independents across the country to rally behind NRM flag bearers and consolidate unity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking at the Kololo Independence Grounds shortly after President Yoweri Museveni was formally nominated as the party’s presidential candidate on Tuesday, Todwong described Museveni’s candidacy as “demand-driven,” citing overwhelming grassroots calls for his continued leadership.
“We thank you, Your Excellency, for accepting to contest for the presidency of the country,” Todwong said.
“I call upon all members who are thinking of contesting as independents to support the official party flag bearers in the coming elections. Let us embrace the team spirit and secure a strong percentage of votes for the party.”
Thousands of supporters thronged Kololo to witness the nomination rally, where President Museveni, 81, reaffirmed his commitment to steering Uganda’s transformation.
In his address, Museveni called on Ugandans to “guard our victories, deepen socio-economic transformation, and march boldly into the future.”
Todwong emphasized that the NRM’s unity and cohesion remain vital to consolidating the party’s achievements. He cautioned that splintering support through independent candidacies could undermine the collective strength needed to deliver a decisive victory for the party at all levels.
The nomination marked the official launch of Museveni’s bid for a seventh term in office, seeking to extend his four-decade stewardship of the nation. The NRM leadership has framed his candidacy as a response to popular demand, pointing to the president’s enduring grassroots appeal.