By Hakim Kyeswa
As Uganda’s 2026 general elections draw near, SPA/PA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, the manager of the Office of the National Chairman of NRM (ONC) is leading a strategic initiative to strengthen the party’s relationships with religious leaders across Uganda.
This effort, according to political analysts, is seen as a critical move to counteract the dwindling support for the NRM, especially in the central region, where the party has faced significant challenges. The decline in NRM’s support in recent elections has been attributed to misinformation and the influence of cultural and religious leaders who swayed voters toward opposition parties.
During the 2021 elections, several prominent leaders from cultural and religious spheres openly campaigned against President Yoweri Museveni, urging their followers to vote for opposition candidates. This intervention significantly impacted the election results, leaving the NRM with a pressing need to address the underlying causes of the disconnect.
While many within the NRM Secretariat appeared slow to respond to this challenge, Hajjat Namyalo stepped in to mend the fractured relationships. Since assuming her role at the ONC in Kyambogo, she has worked tirelessly to engage religious leaders and rebuild trust. Her proactive approach has included organizing annual interfaith prayer events, which have become a hallmark of her leadership.
In 2022, Namyalo made history by bringing together the two long-divided Islamic factions in Uganda Kibuli and Old Kampala to lead the inaugural ONC prayer ceremony. This achievement, which marked a rare moment of unity among Muslim leaders, was followed by equally successful events in subsequent years.
In 2023, Anglican leaders led the Enf of Year prayers, while in 2024, the prayers were spearheaded by the Born Again Christian community led by Pastor Tom Mugerwa of Mutundwe Christian Fellowship. The notable appearance of Sheikh Obed Kamulegeya, a respected yet seldom-seen religious figure further spiced up the 2024 prayers.
Beyond her religious engagements, Namyalo has also worked to restore the NRM’s relationships with cultural institutions. Following the 2021 elections, tensions between the NRM government and the Buganda Kingdom escalated after Mengo, the kingdom’s administrative seat, openly backed opposition leader Bobi Wine.
However, Namyalo’s outreach efforts have gradually thawed this icy relationship. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, she has cultivated goodwill between the government and Mengo, reportedly leaving Bobi Wine disillusioned as he accuses Mengo of abandoning the opposition.
Namyalo’s cultural diplomacy extends beyond Buganda. She has built strong ties with the Busoga Kingdom, integrating the institution into NRM-led development initiatives. Her visit to Pastor Tom Mugerwa, a highly influential figure among Uganda’s youth, highlights her strategy of engaging with key opinion leaders to amplify messages of economic empowerment and wealth creation.
While Namyalo does not advocate for religious or cultural leaders to dictate their followers’ political choices, she believes these leaders play an essential role in shaping public discourse. Through her efforts, she aims to ensure that messages of unity, progress, and the NRM’s achievements reach the grassroots, bolstering the party’s support base.
As the political environment intensifies ahead of 2026, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo’s determined efforts to bridge gaps with religious and cultural leaders are set to redefine the NRM’s approach to grassroots mobilization. Her vision and strategic outreach may prove pivotal in securing a favourable outcome for the ruling party in the upcoming elections.
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