By Hakim Kyeswa
The just-concluded youth council elections have sent a clear message to the nation: the National Resistance Movement (NRM) remains the dominant political force in Uganda, especially among the youth.
With an overwhelming 81% victory at the village level, the results have exposed the weakening grip of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and reaffirmed that the so-called “NUP wave” of 2021 will not be repeated in 2026.
Since the last general elections, where NRM’s support in Buganda faced an unexpected challenge, political parties have been strategizing—opposition groups hoping to seize power, and the NRM working to consolidate its gains.
However, the latest youth council elections have revealed a harsh reality for NUP: their influence is fading, even among the very demographic they claim to champion.
NUP’s Failed Youth Appeal
NUP built its brand on the promise of representing the youth, yet in these elections, they failed to secure even 20% of the votes. This is a stunning indictment of their disconnect from young Ugandans. Many youths are now realizing that NUP’s leadership has little to offer beyond rhetoric.
After being used for protests and political agitation, some find themselves abandoned—either politically sidelined or left to languish in prison. Meanwhile, the NRM has focused on delivering tangible programs that empower young people economically.
Government Programs Winning Hearts and Minds
Initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) have been a game-changer, directly addressing poverty and unemployment.
Unlike NUP’s empty promises, these programs provide real opportunities for the youth to improve their livelihoods. It is no surprise, then, that young people are choosing to engage with government initiatives rather than follow opposition leaders who offer nothing but chaos.
NRM Dominance Even in Opposition Strongholds
The most telling sign of NRM’s resurgence is its performance in traditional opposition strongholds. In Kampala, Mukono, and Wakiso—areas once considered NUP bastions—NRM won with nearly 90% of the vote. If the youth at the grassroots, who play a crucial role in shaping electoral outcomes, are overwhelmingly supporting NRM, then the 2026 general elections are already tilting in favor of the ruling party.
The 2021 Wave Will Not Be Repeated
The 2021 election was a wake-up call for NRM, but the party has since recalibrated its strategy, reconnected with the youth, and delivered results. The opposition’s momentum has stalled, and NUP’s failure to make inroads in these youth elections proves that their influence was a temporary protest vote rather than a sustained movement.
As we approach 2026, NRM leaders must capitalize on this momentum. The party should continue engaging the youth, expanding poverty-alleviation programs, and countering opposition propaganda with facts. The message from the villages is clear: Ugandan youth trust the NRM, and that trust will translate into another decisive victory in the next elections.
The writer is the Head of Digital Media, Office of the National Chairman, NRM.
Email: hakimkim255gmail.com
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