As Uganda prepares for the highly anticipated general election scheduled for January 15, 2026, political temperatures continue to rise, with growing signs of internal dissent within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has governed the country for nearly 35 years, is once again seeking re-election. Should he win, Museveni would extend his rule to almost four decades, a milestone that has increasingly divided public opinion.
While opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, continues to gain traction among young and urban voters, cracks within the ruling party are now becoming more visible.
One of the most striking moments in NRM’s history resurfaced from the party’s own senior leadership, shedding light on why many Ugandans appear disillusioned with the long-serving administration.
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In April 2018, then NRM Deputy Secretary General Richard Todwong openly criticised the party’s leadership, citing corruption, greed, and nepotism as key reasons for public anger against the ruling establishment.
Speaking candidly, Todwong warned that unchecked misuse of public resources and theft carried out with impunity were eroding public trust and pushing citizens toward alternative leadership.
“Corruption, greed, nepotism are things that are making Ugandans more disgusted in the leadership of our party,” Todwong stated, adding that he had personally communicated these concerns to President Museveni.
He further warned that failure to rein in excesses within government would eventually cost NRM its grip on power.
As the 2026 elections approach, Todwong’s remarks have resurfaced amid renewed calls for accountability and political renewal.
Analysts say such internal criticism strengthens the opposition narrative and reflects deep-seated frustrations even within NRM ranks.
With Bobi Wine positioning himself as the symbol of change, Ugandans now face a defining moment: whether to extend Museveni’s long rule or chart a new political path after decades under one leadership.
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