The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party in Uganda is currently keeping everyone guessing regarding who will be their presidential candidate for the upcoming 2026 elections.

This uncertainty comes as the party has yet to officially discuss or announce its candidate, leaving political observers and the general public in suspense.

The NRM’s delay in choosing a candidate has sparked speculation about whether President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for nearly four decades, will seek another term, or if the party will look for a new leader.

Hon. Kakooza James, a Member of Parliament, recently revealed that the NRM has not yet had official discussions about selecting a presidential candidate.

This statement has added to the growing mystery surrounding the party’s plans.

According to Hon. Kakooza, decisions regarding presidential candidates typically involve thorough consultations and consensus-building within the party, and the NRM has not yet held such discussions.

This reveals that while there may be ongoing internal consultations, no clear decision has been made as of yet.

Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, has been the face of the NRM for many years, and his leadership has defined the party’s identity.

However, with the 2026 elections drawing closer, there is increasing speculation about his political future. While some believe Museveni may continue his leadership of the NRM, others suggest that the party may surprise the public by nominating a new face.

Political analysts have pointed out that the delay in choosing a candidate may be part of the party's strategy to avoid early divisions and manage internal competition.

By not rushing to announce a candidate, the NRM can keep its options open and avoid stirring up conflicts among party members.

The uncertainty surrounding the NRM's presidential candidate has also drawn attention from opposition parties, who have used this delay to criticize the ruling party.

They argue that the NRM lacks internal democracy, with the party’s candidate likely being decided behind closed doors by a select few rather than through an open, transparent process.

These criticisms reflect ongoing concerns about political freedoms and the inclusiveness of the party’s decision-making process.

For Ugandans, the delay in announcing the NRM's candidate is fueling curiosity and speculation. Many wonder whether Museveni will indeed seek another term or if the party will opt for someone else.

While there is no official word yet, some insiders believe that the president will remain the party’s preferred candidate, given his immense influence over the NRM’s structures and his long-standing control over the country’s political landscape.

However, the possibility of a new leader emerging within the party remains an open question.

As the elections draw nearer, political observers will continue to watch the NRM closely to see what decision they make.

The next few months are expected to be critical in shaping the future direction of Uganda’s political landscape, and all eyes will be on the NRM to see how they navigate the growing pressure to announce their presidential candidate.

Whether Museveni runs again or a new face emerges, the 2026 elections will be a defining moment for the NRM and for Uganda’s political future.

While there is much speculation surrounding the NRM’s presidential candidate for the 2026 elections, the party has yet to make an official announcement.

The internal consultations and deliberations within the party will likely continue in the coming months, and political observers will be watching closely for any developments. The uncertainty around Museveni’s future and the possibility of a new leader emerging make the 2026 election one of the most anticipated in Uganda’s history.

Story Source: Nile post tweeter handle.