CEC Elections: A Test of Values Over Money

As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) approaches the Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections, one truth is becoming increasingly evident: these contests will not be decided by money alone. The heartbeat of the party — its leagues, seasoned leaders, and grassroots delegates — remains firmly rooted in patriotism and the historical values that birthed and sustained the Movement.

The NRM’s veteran cadres, youth leaders, and women’s leagues have sent a clear message: while money may flow during campaigns, the vote will be guided by conscience and conviction. Many delegates have openly declared that they will “take the money but vote wisely,” underscoring a growing resolve to safeguard the integrity of the party’s leadership.

This year’s vetting process is set to be more rigorous than ever before. The party’s electoral machinery is determined to weed out candidates who lack historical roots, ideological grounding, and genuine commitment to the NRM’s mission. Those whose involvement is driven purely by economic self-interest, personal advancement, or a desire to catch the President’s attention may find themselves disqualified or decisively rejected at the ballot.

It is no secret that some aspirants are adventurers — political tourists seeking proximity to power rather than the hard, patient work of building the party and serving the nation. For them, the high and often extravagant expenditure during these campaigns may prove to be a poor investment, as delegates increasingly demand substance over spectacle.

This season is a test, not just of candidates, but of the party’s internal discipline and moral compass. The NRM was founded on sacrifice, struggle, and a shared vision for Uganda’s transformation. Those who hope to lead it must carry that legacy in both word and deed.

In the end, the CEC elections will decide more than just positions; they will decide whether the Movement remains anchored in its founding values or drifts into the dangerous waters of opportunism. The choice, as always, lies with the delegates — and this time, the signs suggest they will choose wisely.

Cadre Rusoke Akiki 

Original Pan Africanist.