We Are The Ones Who Will Decide Who Succeeds President Museveni – NRM CEC Sets The Record Straight

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has moved to clarify who holds the authority to determine President Yoweri Museveni’s successor, with the party’s Western Uganda Vice Chairman, Hassan Basajjabalaba, insisting that the decision belongs to the Central Executive Committee (CEC).

Basajjabalaba said the party’s top decision-making organ will have the final say on the succession question, which has increasingly attracted public attention and speculation about Uganda’s political future.

“We are the ones who will decide who succeeds President Museveni,” Basajjabalaba declared, making it clear that the NRM leadership considers the matter an internal party responsibility.

However, he declined to disclose whether the CEC had already identified a preferred candidate or whether any serious discussions had reached an advanced stage. He said he did not want to reveal sensitive details because consultations were still ongoing.

His remarks come amid growing political debate following a reported closed-door CEC meeting held at State House Entebbe on October 27. During the meeting, Museveni reportedly presented a paper addressing political succession, alongside other issues affecting the party and the country.

The reported discussions covered the economy, regional integration, strengthening the army, construction of the NRM headquarters and empowering district party leaders. Museveni also reportedly highlighted qualities he considers important in a future leader, including Pan-Africanism, military strength and discipline.

The succession debate has also attracted attention within the military and youth political networks. Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba reportedly directed members of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) to stop publicly discussing the succession paper, as the group continued restructuring its activities and endorsement campaign.

The CEC is chaired by Museveni and serves as the NRM's highest decision-making organ. Basajjabalaba's statement therefore reinforces the party leadership's position that the question of who eventually succeeds the long-serving president will be handled through its established structures, even as speculation about possible contenders continues.