Kampala, (UG):- The Ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s top organ – Central Executive Committee (CEC) has deferred plans to debate the anticipated presidential candidature of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba in the 2026 general elections after a meeting held on Friday ended without commitment.
The CEC, was summoned by President Museveni to discuss among other things, the newly formed Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), an outfit headed by his son and Presidential hopeful, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Among the things expected in the meeting, was a final decision on the PLU and its leader Gen Muhoozi the perspective of the NRM Chairman President Museveni and his ambitions for 2026.
However, sources confirm that the meeting ended in stalemate as all members feared to commit on the two names, leaving the matter for President Museveni’s consideration.
“We members of CEC have today 23rd of February 2024 converged to meet the national vice chairman Alhaji Moses Kigongo at Mosa Courts for consultation and it was unanimously agreed that the tentative NRM road map activities 2024 to 2026) be stayed until CEC meets to make an input,” the committee said in a brief MEMO signed by Kigongo on Friday.
The development comes after a group of NRM mobilisers led by presidential advisor David Mafabi recently petitioned CEC to discuss the rise of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), spearheaded by Gen Muhoozi.
The group urged CEC to “expedite the process of election of the new structures of the Movement, which should not waste any time in renewing the leadership mandate in the Movement and State of Yoweri K. Museveni in 2026, and beyond.”
Although Mr Museveni has not yet declared intentions to stand for Presidency in 2026, Muhoozi has only come shy of confirming aspirations which are already in black and white.
Muhoozi’s announcement to stand for president in the 2026 polls has attracted the support of historicals, serving cabinet ministers and MPs.
However, this has left many ruling party honchos worried of losing their powerful positions should Muhoozi become President.
The CEC meeting was attended by Internal Affairs Minister Rtd Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire and his Information counterpart Chris Baryomunsi who are opposed to a Muhoozi presidency.
Otafiire recently told his constituents in Mitooma district that he was opposed to the idea of Muhoozi becoming president.
PLU’s Deputy Spokesperson David Kabanda said PLU is not involved in any political activities.
Meanwhile, CEC members expressed their displeasure and discomfort on designations of commissioners of parliament, leadership of the sessional and standing committees of Parliament were made without input of CEC in contravention of the rules of procedure for the NRM parliamentary caucus
Interestingly, the meeting also decided that a vote be allocated to the central Executive Committee out of Government funds disbursed to the NRM, to be vested in the National vice Chairman for management and administration for party activities and accountability.
The indecision by the CEC therefore ensures that Museveni and his son Muhoozi must meet and agree on a way forward for both of them.
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