The National Resistance Movement (NRM) appears set for a commanding performance in the 2026 general elections, as internal reconciliation efforts and strategic withdrawals reshape the political landscape.
Central to this push for unity is Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who serves as the party’s Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) and has taken a visible role in mediating disputes and encouraging alignment behind official NRM flagbearers.
Among’s intervention comes at a critical juncture for the party, which has been working to heal divisions following contentious primaries earlier this year.
As part of the reconciliation process, several aspirants, especially those considering independent campaigns, have publicly stepped down in favour of NRM-endorsed candidates in multiple regions.
Senior party figures, including National Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo, have also discouraged members who lost primaries from running as independents, citing the importance of cohesion and consolidated vote power.
Speaker Among’s enhanced role within the party began in August 2025, following her election as 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female) within the NRM Central Executive Committee.
President Kaguta Museveni publicly endorsed her elevation, highlighting the importance of unity and shared purpose among party leaders.
Political analysts describe Among as a transformative figure in NRM politics, noting her influence extends beyond Parliament.
She has been instrumental in softening internal opposition, encouraging candidates to align with official party tickets, and neutralising potential independent threats, thereby consolidating NRM support nationwide.
While some independent campaigns remain where primary losers have resisted withdrawal directives, party leadership continues to emphasise reconciliation over exclusion, signalling that maintaining unity is the priority.
Beyond internal consolidation, the NRM has also benefited from defections from opposition parties, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP).
High-profile shifts include Allan Clifford Tugume, NUP’s flagbearer for Bugahya County in Hoima City, who publicly joined the NRM at a rally with President Museveni.
Speaker Among played a central role in welcoming Tugume and facilitating his transition. Over 50 youth supporters reportedly crossed to the ruling party at the same event.
Other NUP members and former opposition supporters have also defected to the NRM across the country, strengthening the ruling party’s prospects ahead of the elections.
Analysts say these strategic reconciliations and defections have positioned the NRM to secure strong results across parliamentary and local council contests in 2026.
