Inside Museveni’s meeting with NRM officials as Kayihura edges closer to Todwong’s SG job

Kampala, (UG):- The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is said to be on the verge of a major shake-up at the Secretariat as sources suggest former Inspector General of Uganda Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, may be in line to replace Richard Todwong as the party’s Secretary General.

This, DailyExpress understands, comes after recent developments, including meetings between President Museveni, party officials and Gen Kayihura’s family over the festive season.

Officials from the NRM secretariat recently met President Museveni at his Rwakitura home to propose a week-long series of activities aimed at “galvanizing the NRM message.” However, critics have dismissed the initiative as another excuse to misuse party funds without addressing deeper issues.

The current leadership under Todwong has been widely criticized as one of the weakest in the party’s history, with notable by-election losses in areas like Kisoro and Oram and sweeping National Unity Platform (NUP) victories in Buganda and Busoga in 2021.

At one campaign in Oyam, secretariat officials reportedly told Museveni, “We’ve done our best, but things refuse,” a statement that has been interpreted as a resignation of responsibility.

Sources within the party exclusively intimated to this publication that Todwong has twice narrowly avoided being replaced in recent reshuffles, but now, Gen Kayihura has emerged as a strong contender for the Secretary-General position.

The former IGP’s potential return to the political spotlight has gained momentum following lobbying efforts by President Museveni’s son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and a reported family meeting at Rwakitura whose discussions and resolution remain a mystery up to now.

The secretariat’s failures have further fueled dissatisfaction among party members, with critics accusing Todwong of lacking the strategic vision of predecessors like Amama Mbabazi or the mobilization prowess of Kasule Lumumba. “Todwong is seen as competent but miscast, unable to deliver the leadership required during this critical period for the NRM,” an insider remarked.

Financial mismanagement and disorganization within the secretariat have further compounded Todwong’s challenges. For example, the secretariat reportedly spent Shs400 million on primaries for a candidate who later lost to an independent. In other cases, such as the Oyam election, a predicted victory turned into a stunning defeat.

Insiders also claim that the secretariat operates without cohesion, with members pursuing individual projects and leaving party affairs in disarray. This prompted government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo to publicly criticize the secretariat, an incident, which further eroded confidence in his leadership.

With Todwong’s position increasingly contested, at least two other members of the secretariat, including his deputy, have reportedly expressed interest in the role, citing dissatisfaction with Todwong’s leadership.

Whether Kayihura takes over or another candidate is appointed, the growing number of contenders for the Secretary-General position signals mounting pressure for change within the NRM. It remains to be seen if Todwong will still stay in charge of the NRM Secretariat after 2026.