Kampala, Uganda – Central Executive Committee (CEC) aspirant and prominent NRM Mobilizer, Kyeswa Hakim has lashed out at senior party officials accusing them of manipulating the ongoing electoral process in favour of incumbent members, saying the playing field has been tilted to frustrate new contenders and entrench political monopolies.
Speaking to DailyExpress in Kampala on Friday, Kyeswa alleged that the party’s internal processes have been deliberately skewed to shield current CEC members from legitimate competition. He claimed that NRM’s Electoral Commission has ignored his petitions and allowed procedural breaches that directly undermine the credibility of the race.
“This is not the democracy our party preaches,” Kyeswa said. “Some aspirants have been denied a fair chance to campaign, while incumbents use their offices to mobilise resources, influence voters, and intimidate challengers. If NRM is to be taken seriously as the party of liberation, it must lead by example and disqualify anyone benefiting from such unfair advantages.”
Kyeswa’s remarks come amid growing disquiet within NRM ranks over the manner in which key party positions are contested. Several youth and grassroots members have rallied behind his call for reforms, accusing the leadership of treating internal elections as a “coronation ceremony” for the political elite.
Party insiders say the tension reflects a broader generational struggle in the NRM, where young and reform-minded aspirants face an uphill battle against entrenched political heavyweights.
But Kyeswa has vowed to escalate his demands to the party’s top structures, warning that failure to address the grievances could trigger defections and apathy among the rank-and-file.
“The party constitution is clear about fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity,” he insisted. “This isn’t just my fight – it’s about restoring the voice of ordinary members who built this movement from the ground up.”
Calls for Joint Campaigns
The youthful aspirant also revealed he petitioned the party leadership to allow joint campaign platforms where all contestants would address delegates together. “We wanted to expose these old guards who have failed our party. Standing on the same stage would allow us to question their record directly,” he argued.
Kyeswa has since called upon NRM delegates, particularly young members, to resist manipulation and vote for leaders who prioritize grassroots mobilization over personal gain.
He further warned that some incumbents use their positions as “side hustles” to protect wealth or secure tenders, while genuine cadres focus on mobilizing for the party and championing youth inclusion in decision-making.
“Once they approach you with money at Kololo, take it — it’s your money. But vote for the future of the party,” he told delegates, accusing some ministers and senior officials of using state resources for their CEC campaigns.
The ambitious CEC Member to be, linked the NRM’s 2021 setbacks in the Central Region to poor grassroots engagement by top leaders, saying young voters feel alienated by leaders “who don’t speak their language.”
“This is not just about Hakim Kyeswa — it’s a generational cause. Nothing is good for us without us,” he emphasized.
The August 27-28 NRM Delegates Conference is expected to be a heated contest as incumbents face mounting pressure from new challengers pushing for structural reforms and stronger youth representation in the party’s top organ.
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