What you need to know:
- With the 2026 general elections still a few years away, young members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Sembabule district are sounding alarms about the increasing influence of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
- As the 2026 elections approach, the NRM faces the critical challenge of re-engaging with its base and countering the rising influence of the NUP to maintain its longstanding dominance in the region.
With the 2026 general elections still a few years away, young members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Sembabule district are sounding alarms about the increasing influence of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
They warn that without immediate and decisive action from party leadership, the NUP could potentially win every seat in the district.
Benjamin Lumu, an NRM youth mobilizer in Sembabule, has voiced his concerns, stressing the urgent need for party leaders to address the situation.
“Our party could face a serious threat from the NUP. If you look at how quickly people are leaving the NRM to join the NUP, our top leaders need to act now or face serious consequences,” Lumu said.
The warnings from NRM youth reflect shifting political dynamics in Sembabule.
Historically, Sembabule has been a stronghold for the NRM, often securing over 80 percent of the votes in elections. However, the 2021 elections saw a significant change, with the NUP winning key positions, including the Mawogola South MP seat, which went to NUP’s Goreti Namugga.
John Kasumba, another NRM supporter in Sembabule, voiced frustration over what he perceives as neglect from senior party leaders.
“We see our MPs like Hon. Sekikubo traveling across the country engaging in national issues. But when it comes to supporting the party locally, there’s a problem,” Kasumba said.
The youths also pointed out the inactivity of NRM offices in the district, which they say remain closed, giving an advantage to opposition parties.
“We wonder why our office is always closed while our opponents’ offices are open,” they lamented.
In response, Dr. Elly Muhumuza, the former Sembabule district chairman and current NRM secretary in the district, dismissed these claims, asserting that the youths are not recognized members of the party.
“NUP is just a temporary wave of youth enthusiasm and doesn’t pose a significant threat. We are focused on working for our people,” Dr. Muhumuza said.
Despite the party leadership’s reassurances, the concerns raised by the NRM youths are significant. The 2021 elections, marked by political violence and intense rivalry, highlight the volatile political landscape in Sembabule.
As the 2026 elections approach, the NRM faces the critical challenge of re-engaging with its base and countering the rising influence of the NUP to maintain its longstanding dominance in the region.
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