Kampala Central Mayor and National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson for Kampala, Salim Uhuru, has been nominated unopposed ahead of the party’s forthcoming primary elections.
The announcement was made by NRM Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, who formally declared Uhuru the sole flagbearer for the mayoral race in Kampala Central Division.
“I hereby nominate Salim Uhuru for the position of Mayor for Kampala Central,” Dr. Odoi announced, confirming that no other contender had expressed interest in challenging Uhuru within the party.
Uhuru, who was accompanied by a group of supporters, welcomed the unopposed nomination with optimism, saying his focus now shifts to the 2026 general elections.
“Now that this is done, our focus is 2026. We want not just to win the Kampala Central mayoral seat again, but also to ensure that President Museveni wins in Kampala,” Uhuru told journalists shortly after the declaration.
A prominent figure in Kampala's political and business circles, Uhuru has long maintained a strong grassroots presence. His hands-on approach and background in the food and hospitality sector have earned him wide appeal, especially among ordinary citizens.
In the 2021 elections, which saw a sweeping victory for the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) in the Kampala Metropolitan area, Uhuru stood out as one of the few NRM candidates who secured a win.
His ability to connect with both influential leaders and the common voter has been credited for his survival in a largely opposition-leaning constituency.
While his unopposed nomination solidifies his position within the NRM, the real test lies ahead as opposition parties begin preparations to challenge him in the 2026 elections.
Uhuru's growing profile within both party structures and local governance has positioned him as a key figure in NRM’s strategy to reclaim Kampala from opposition dominance.
However, with Kampala Central remaining a highly contested battleground, the road to reelection remains uncertain.