Dr Oledo takes shot at Kigongo’s 1st National Vice Chair seat, pledges transformative leadership

Kampala, Uganda: The contest for the 1st National Vice Chairperson seat in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has intensified after Dr. Odongo Oledo Samuel officially picked nomination forms and submitted his credentials to the party’s Electoral Commission, setting the stage for a high-stakes internal race against incumbent Hajji Moses Kigongo.

Dr. Odongo, a respected administrator and policy advocate, paid the mandatory UGX 10 million expression of interest fee on Tuesday, July 1, confirming his readiness to vie for one of the ruling party’s most powerful offices.

“This is a moment of renewal and commitment to the values of inclusiveness and transformative governance. I am here to serve, to build bridges, and to ensure that the NRM remains a dynamic force for national progress,” he said shortly after his nomination was confirmed.

Dr Oledo’s entry has triggered excitement within NRM structures and among delegates nationwide, with supporters describing him as a unifying figure capable of injecting fresh energy and accountability into the party’s top leadership.

Sources inside the NRM revealed that the former President of Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has secured significant backing from senior cadres and influential regional coordinators who see his candidacy as an opportunity to rejuvenate the party’s direction ahead of the 2026 elections.

Observers note that his challenge could mark a decisive generational shift in the NRM’s hierarchy, where Hajji Kigongo has been a central figure for decades.

While Kigongo’s camp has not officially responded to Dr. Oledo’s bid, insiders expect a spirited contest in the coming weeks as campaigns gain momentum across the country.

NRM Electoral Commission officials say nominations will remain open for other aspirants until the set deadline, after which the party will release a final list of candidates cleared to contest.