Duncan Abigaba, a 36-year-old public policy expert and experienced government official, has declared his intention to lead the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Western Uganda, pledging a bold transformation agenda dubbed Creative Disruption.
Abigaba has announced he will contest against ICT minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi who is currently occupying the seat as NRM Vice Chairman for Western Region.
Therefore Baryomunsi sits on the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of NRM, a highest decision making organ of the party led by President Yoweri Museveni.
Abigaba, who has served in the Office of the President, State House, and Ministry of Information, holds degrees from Makerere University, Uganda Management Institute, and the Higher School of Economics in Russia.
Reflecting on the NRM’s legacy, he acknowledged the party’s achievements: “For 40 years, NRM has restored peace and grown our economy twenty-fold.”
But he was quick to note that these gains are under threat. “There’s apathy—the party serves a few, structures are dysfunctional, we’ve no recruitment plan and no jobs for the youth,” he said.
His proposed solution is a sweeping overhaul: “It’s time for Creative Disruption—to reform, rebrand, and reshape the NRM.”
Abigaba’s platform centers on realigning the party’s priorities with the needs of ordinary Ugandans—by investing in practical education, accessible and affordable healthcare, youth entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies.
He envisions a future where NRM embraces tech-savvy, youth-driven leadership.
“Your vote for me is a vote for the renewal of NRM,” he concluded in his statement.
