By Rogers Bulegeya
As Uganda approaches the 2026 presidential elections, the role of Hadija Namyalo has never been more critical in the effort to safeguard votes for President Yoweri Museveni as it is now. The political landscape is charged, with the opposition, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP), ramping up their strategies to undermine Museveni’s support. The message from NUP is unmistakable: they intend to disrupt the electoral process and steal votes from the ruling party.
The opposition has laid out two primary strategies to challenge Museveni’s candidacy. First, they aim to intimidate long-time National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters into abstaining from voting. Second, they plan to manipulate the voting process at polling stations, particularly in Buganda and the Eastern region, to siphon off Museveni’s votes. Despite the significant support Museveni enjoys, the determination of the opposition to wrestle for victory from him is evident.
However, the situation is not without hope. Hajat Hadijah Namyalo, a prominent figure in the NRM, has taken up the mantle of protecting Museveni’s votes. Over the years, Namyalo has successfully recruited two dedicated vote protectors for each polling station across Uganda. She has equipped these individuals with the necessary information and skills to defend Museveni’s votes against the looming threat of electoral fraud.
It is crucial that the state prioritizes the exercise of safeguarding Museveni’s votes, especially in light of the events of the 2021 elections, where it was evident that NUP attempted to manipulate the results. Despite those efforts, Museveni still garnered a significant number of votes, indicating a resilient support base.
The Office of the NRM National Chairman is today more organized and determined than ever to secure victory for Museveni. It is imperative that the NRM Secretariat regularly engages with the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) to develop a robust mobilization strategy that rallies stakeholders around Museveni’s presidential bid. The NRM must focus on serving the people of Uganda, steering clear of unnecessary conflicts that could distract from the pressing goal of securing electoral success.
Recent surveys conducted in villages indicate that the ONC vote protectors are ready and eager to deliver a victory for President Museveni. Namyalo has emerged as a key figure in mobilizing national support for Museveni’s 2026 presidential campaign through her innovative Mzee Tova Ku main strategy.
This initiative gained traction at a time when many top NRM officials hesitated to publicly support Museveni, with some opting to join the Patriotic League of Uganda, which demands his resignation. Namyalo’s efforts have effectively shifted the narrative, bringing Museveni back into the electoral conversation.
Unfortunately, Namyalo faces attacks from those who have covertly opposed the President. Nonetheless, the Office of the NRM National Chairman has established structures in every village, alongside district and sub-regional coordinators, all dedicated to ensuring a victorious outcome for Museveni.
Hajat Hadijah Namyalo stands as a beacon of hope for the NRM and President Museveni as the nation gears up for the 2026 elections. Her commitment to protecting votes and mobilizing support is crucial in countering the opposition’s tactics. The NRM must rally behind her efforts, ensuring that the integrity of the electoral process is upheld and that the will of the Ugandan people prevails at the ballot box.
The writer is NRM Chairperson for Masaka City, Central Buganda Region!
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