Sedrack Nuwomugisha Kaguta, a younger brother to President Yoweri Museveni, has officially declared his bid for the position of Vice Chairperson (Western Region) on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s powerful Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Kaguta, who currently serves as the NRM district chairperson for Kiruhura, made the announcement after submitting his expression of interest forms to the NRM Electoral Commission. He pledged to build on his strong grassroots track record by elevating his service to a regional and national platform.
“I have led Kiruhura to deliver 99.8% of votes to the party and our candidate in four consecutive election cycles. I believe I can now serve the Western Region in a bigger capacity,” Kaguta told reporters after his nomination.
He emphasized the need for inclusive leadership, promising to unite Ugandans regardless of tribal or religious background. “My campaign is focused on mobilizing citizens across all divides and ensuring that the NRM remains the party of stability and continuity,” he added.
The Vice Chairperson (Western Region) position is currently held by Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and MP for Kinkizi East. Baryomunsi has not yet confirmed whether he intends to seek re-election to the post.
Kaguta’s entry into the race sets the stage for a competitive contest within the ruling party’s Western bloc, a region historically seen as the NRM’s stronghold and the President’s political base.
Also vying for the same seat is Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, who has positioned himself as a champion of internal reform and structured succession within the party. Mawanda, a key supporter of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) — a pressure group backing Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba — has openly called for an orderly transition of power.
Mawanda’s ambitions signal a shift within NRM’s internal politics, with some cadres pushing for generational change, even as President Museveni gears up for yet another term in 2026.
The NRM CEC is the party’s top decision-making organ, overseeing everything from candidate selection to national policy strategy. Regional vice chairpersons serve as kingmakers and key mobilizers in their respective zones, giving them immense influence over internal dynamics.
Political analysts say Kaguta’s bid is not just symbolic of family loyalty, but part of a broader attempt to consolidate control of the party’s structures at a time of potential leadership transition.
Kaguta’s move adds to a growing list of family members actively participating in Ugandan politics. President Museveni’s son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is seen as a potential successor and leads the PLU movement. Another brother, Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh), has long served as a top advisor in military and economic affairs.
President Museveni, now 80, recently confirmed he will seek re-election in 2026, extending his 40-year rule. Meanwhile, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) has also announced his candidacy, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral showdown.
As the ruling party reconfigures its top leadership ahead of the campaign season, the battle for the NRM CEC positions — especially in Museveni’s heartland — will likely shape both the tone and the future direction of Uganda’s politics.
