Experience & Sacrifice: "The Foundations for Leadership in the NRM High Command"- Capt. Mukula

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) stands as one of Africa’s most resilient and ideologically coherent liberation movements turned ruling parties. Since its inception as a revolutionary force that ushered in a new political order in 1986, the NRM has built a legacy grounded in discipline, sacrifice, ideological clarity, and a commitment to transformation. 

As such, leadership within the NRM, particularly at the apex of the party’s structure—the Central Executive Committee (CEC)—must never be an accident of popularity, wealth, or political convenience. Instead, it must be earned through tested experience and demonstrated sacrifice.

The CEC: The Brain and Nerve Centre of the NRM

The Central Executive Committee is the supreme decision-making organ of the NRM. It oversees the direction of the party, arbitrates on complex political matters, and provides strategic guidance to both the government and the wider political establishment. Membership in the CEC is not merely ceremonial. It comes with great influence—and even greater responsibility.

Those who sit at this level shape national discourse, influence appointments, policy, and provide stability to the broader political infrastructure of the country. Such responsibility requires individuals who understand the historical mission of the NRM, its ideological grounding, and the weight of its promise to Ugandans.

Why Experience Matters

Experience, in this context, is not simply about how long one has been a member of the party. It is about tested loyalty, institutional memory, and demonstrated capacity to lead and navigate the complex realities of national and party politics.

A leader rising to the CEC must have:

1. Grassroots Mobilization Experience – Understanding the pulse of the ordinary Ugandan is a core value of the NRM. Leaders who have worked at the village, parish, sub-county, and district levels bring a grounded appreciation of the people’s struggles and aspirations.

2. Institutional Track Record – Whether in public service, Parliament, the military, or the party’s organs, a leader must have shown competence, patriotism, and integrity in previous assignments.

3. Ideological Maturity – The NRM has always emphasized Pan-Africanism, patriotism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. A CEC leader must live and breathe these ideals—not merely recite them.

4. Proven Crisis Management – Experience in weathering political storms, unifying divided constituencies, and standing firm on core principles in turbulent times is essential.

The Role of Sacrifice

Beyond experience, the path to CEC leadership is also paved with sacrifice. The NRM was built on the blood, sweat, and tears of those who risked everything for a better Uganda. While the nature of sacrifice has evolved from armed struggle to institutional consolidation, the spirit of selflessness must remain.

Today’s political environment demands leaders who have:

   •   Foregone personal gain for the national interest – This includes rejecting corruption, enduring political persecution, or spending years building party structures without expecting immediate rewards.

   •   Stayed loyal in difficult times – When the party faced internal wrangles, electoral challenges, or ideological attacks, true leaders are those who stood firm and defended the NRM legacy.

   •   Invested in the next generation – Mentoring youth, promoting inclusivity, and preparing others for leadership is a selfless act that secures the future of the party.

Rising Through the Political Ranks: A Meritocratic Path

The NRM’s internal structures provide a clear progression from local councils, district executive committees, youth leagues, women’s leagues, parliamentary caucuses, and eventually national leadership. Those who rise to CEC must have undergone this journey—not jumped it.

This system is not meant to gatekeep but to preserve the sanctity of leadership. It ensures that only those who have been tested and trusted can steer the ship. A party as vast and diverse as the NRM cannot afford to entrust its top command to individuals whose only credentials are ambition and financial muscle.

Conclusion: Preserving the Legacy

For the NRM to continue delivering on its promise of stability, development, and transformation, its top leadership must remain grounded in the principles that birthed the Movement. Experience and sacrifice are not optional—they are the bedrock of leadership.

The CEC must be composed of cadres who carry the party’s ideological DNA, understand its historical trajectory, and are prepared to give their all for its continued success. This is not merely a matter of tradition—it is a matter of survival.

The future of the NRM depends on leaders who have walked the long road, paid the price, and emerged not only experienced but also committed to the mission. That is the only way to ensure the Movement remains relevant, resilient, and revolutionary in the years ahead.

Capt Mike Mukula.

National vice chairman NRM (EASTERN)