How ONC, Namyalo’s mobilisation machine delivered Museveni’s 2026 Presidential Bid

Kampala, Uganda: President Museveni Saturday picked nomination forms for both NRM National Chairperson and Presidential Flag Bearer slots, a move that received wild celebrations as a decisive victory for the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), led by Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, whose relentless mobilisation has been instrumental in rallying Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu, to endorse Museveni’s continued leadership.

From the inception of the now-ubiquitous #TovaKuMain2026 slogan, Hajjat Namyalo and her ONC team laid the foundation for what has become one of the most successful grassroots political campaigns in recent memory. This slogan was not just a catchy phrase but a deliberate effort to reframe public discourse and counter narratives of succession politics.

Political observers note that Namyalo’s strategic approach blended visible government wealth creation programmes with targeted messaging, creating a momentum that steadily built public confidence in Museveni’s continued stewardship.

Under her leadership, ONC embarked on a series of community empowerment tours across all regions—distributing wealth creation tools, meeting youth groups, and addressing structural challenges facing rural communities. This work not only energised the NRM base but also established ONC as the primary engine of mobilisation ahead of 2026.

Building on this early momentum, ONC rolled out complementary campaigns like #MzeeKuBallot2026 and, most recently, #M7IsTheBest, each reinforcing the notion that Museveni remains the most experienced and stable option to steer Uganda into the projected $500 billion economy.

Shortly after confirming his bid for the 2026 Presidential race at NRM headquarters in Kyadondo, Museveni, now 81, acknowledged the groundswell of support that has emerged across the country, an endorsement many say was nurtured by ONC’s tireless work over the last two years.

“The role of Hajjat Namyalo and her office cannot be downplayed,” said a senior NRM leader who preferred anonymity for fear of power clash at the secretariat. “She tapped into the Bazzukulu base, created emotional ownership around the President’s legacy, and shaped the conversation away from succession to continuity.”

In different regions, from Karamoja to Busoga, Hajjat Namyalo personally traversed communities, handing out tools for wealth creation and echoing the Tova Ku Main message. This practical approach resonated with Ugandans who felt seen and heard.

NRM strategists now believe that with Museveni’s candidature officially declared, the work of ONC and Namyalo has created a solid foundation for the ruling party to secure another term.

Analysts say that Namyalo’s emphasis on youth mobilisation has been particularly decisive, positioning the Bazzukulu as a formidable voting bloc determined to secure continuity and stability.

As the 2026 election cycle kicks off, the ruling party’s momentum is largely attributed to ONC’s pioneering efforts, proving that consistent, grassroots-focused engagement remains the NRM’s most powerful political asset.

Supporters, mostly in Buganda and Busoga, where opposition has often proved predominant, have praised Namyalo for her conviction and organisational skill, with some describing her as “the iron lady who never took her foot off the mobilisation pedal.”