By Dean Lubowa Saava
Deep State Poltical Desk
TV10 Gano Mazima has established that a silent but intense power struggle is underway within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) over who will control President Museveni’s budget for his 2026 presidential campaigns.
Sources close to the party reveal that the battle is between NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, head of the Office of the National Chairperson.
Namyalo’s Grudge Against NRM Secretariat
The conflict began after NRM candidate Hajjat Faridah Nambi’s defeat in the Kawempe North by-election. Namyalo blamed the party’s secretariat for the loss, accusing them of poor performance.
She claimed that if the campaign money had been channeled through her office, they would have won. Namyalo also boasted that her grassroots structures in the area had helped some candidates perform well in the NRM grassroots elections.
Private Meeting with Museveni
After a private meeting with Museveni at State House Entebbe, Namyalo was reportedly strengthened and began mobilizing support in Kampala’s ghettos.
Sources claim that Museveni expressed dissatisfaction with NRM’s performance in Kawempe and grilled Namyalo about the party’s poor showing. Namyalo alleged that internal fights within the party and sabotage by the secretariat were to blame.
NRM Secretariat’s Response
However, a senior NRM official countered that the secretariat has the capacity to mobilize support but is underfunded. The official alleged that Namyalo is receiving money for mobilization while the secretariat only gets salaries and operational funds.
The official also warned that Namyalo’s control of campaign funds in Kampala’s ghettos would be short-lived, as other powerful individuals, including Maj Gen Christopher Ddamulira and Maj Emma Kutesa, would also demand a share.
Who Will Control the Campaign Budget?
Sources close to State House suggest that Lt Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso and Jane Barekye, the president’s senior advisor on defense and State House controller, will likely be in full control of the campaign budget.
Kira Municipality legislator Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda alleged that Museveni’s campaign money has long been controlled by Lt Gen Nalweyiso.
Museveni’s Investment in Campaigns
According to an ACFIM report, Museveni spent not less than Shs900bn in the 2021 presidential campaigns, making him the leading spender since the 1996 presidential elections.
Sources claim that the president invested over Shs6bn in the Kawempe North by-election, which will likely impact the NRM secretariat’s funding.
