The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) have pledged to deliver over 80 percent of the vote for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2026 General Elections, announcing a joint mobilisation strategy to secure a landslide victory.
The two groups made the commitment during a joint press conference at the NRM Secretariat in Kampala, where NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and PLU Secretary General David Kabanda addressed the media.
Todwong likened the partnership to a great river fed by many tributaries, describing the alliance as a natural coming together of forces. “The Movement is the main river, and there are many tributaries that feed into it. Today we are united for a common cause,” he said. “Tomorrow we are having the nomination of the National Chairman of NRM, who is supported by all of us on this table, including PLU members. We are joining forces to ensure the nomination is successful, the campaigns are coordinated, and the victory on January 12, 2026, is certain.”
The NRM Secretary General explained that the road to Museveni’s nomination has been thorough and inclusive. “We began on February 28, 2024, with an update of the party register, digitalised it, and carried out structural elections. Our presidential candidate emerged through these efforts, and his candidature is a demand from party members, including those in PLU,” Todwong said.
He outlined a detailed program for the nomination and post-nomination activities. “Between 9 and 11 a.m., we shall be at the Electoral Commission to nominate him, after which he will greet supporters at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Thereafter, we shall synchronize campaign programs with other political parties and issue our roadmaps for coordinated campaigns with PLU,” he said, adding that invitations had been sent to key party leaders, Members of Parliament, mayors, and flag bearers across the country.
Kabanda reaffirmed PLU’s full backing of Museveni’s candidature and the shared goal of an overwhelming win. “I bring greetings from our Chairman, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. We are here on his instructions to inform all that the Patriotic League of Uganda will work with the NRM in the 2026–2031 elections,” he said. “Most of us are NRM already—we are flag bearers. I am the NRM flag bearer for Kasambya County, and Hon. Michael Mawanda is the NRM flag bearer for Igara East. We never deviated from NRM.”
Kabanda revealed that PLU aims to match Museveni’s age in votes. “Our Chairman has set a target of 80 percent and above. After celebrating Mzee’s 81st birthday, many supporters say the percentage should match his age. We are ready to deliver.”
He encouraged PLU supporters to turn up in large numbers at Kololo to welcome the President after his nomination. “We shall march from our headquarters in Naguru because parking at Kololo is limited. When you see us walking, don’t think we are defying the rules. We are simply showing our support,” he said.
Both leaders closed with a call for unity and discipline as the joint campaigns begin, confident that the NRM–PLU partnership will secure a resounding victory for President Museveni.
The NRM Deputy Secretary General, Hon Rose Namayanja-Nsereko, hailed the collaboration as one of the best moves to secure more votes.
"PLU, unlike other organizations, has structures up to the grassroots level," Namayanja said, adding that they would ride on these structures to deliver victory.
She called upon party supporters to throng Kololo in huge numbers for the President's nomination rally.
Michael Nuwagira Toyota, PLU Vice Chairperson, called for discipline as people go to attend the Kololo rally.
He said PLU would ensure that NRM flagbearers are supported throughout the election period.
Other officials who attended the joint press conference included the NRM National Treasurer, Amb. Barbara Oundo Nekesa, Deputy National Treasurer, Hon. Jackline Kyatuhaire, Director for Mobilization, Dr. Rosemary Sseninde, and Director for Communication, Hon. Emmanuel Dombo.