By Micheal Obongoyinge
In a recent turn of events, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Youth League’s leadership has found itself embroiled in controversy following its response to the Youth for Museveni (YYM) petition. The YYM, a nascent initiative barely two weeks old, has stirred the political pot by advocating for President Museveni’s candidacy in the upcoming 2026 elections and encouraging youth involvement within the NRM party ranks.
The NRM Youth League’s leadership issued a verbose and unsigned statement, dated a year apart, criticizing the YYM initiative and attempting to downplay its significance. The statement, purportedly drafted by only three executive members, has drawn sharp rebuke from within NRM ranks.
Critics of the NRM Youth League’s response point out the disrespectful reduction of senior NRM party leaders’ personas and profiles by associating them with the propagandist statement. Moreover, the leadership’s attempt to undermine the YYM initiative has been met with staunch opposition from members of the NRM Youth League.
The controversy highlights a broader issue within Uganda’s political landscape. As articulated by Prof. Mukasa Mutibwa, Ugandans have endured a cycle of “liberation fatigue” since independence, suggesting weariness with repetitive political narratives.
The NRM Youth League’s leadership, in its bid to reassert relevance, has resorted to attacking the YYM initiative, ordering youth to engage in conflicts with other organized groups. Such tactics, critics argue, only serve to distract from substantive issues and further alienate the youth demographic.
The claims made by the NRM Youth League’s statement have faced scrutiny. The assertion that YYM is run by ‘unknown members’ disregards the NRM constitution, which explicitly welcomes all youth members into the fold. Additionally, the attempt to discredit the YYM’s motives as a ploy to counter other youth organizations reflects a misguided understanding of youth engagement dynamics.
Furthermore, the statement’s attack on Dr. Tanga Odoi’s persona and its insinuation of funding-driven motives behind YYM’s initiative have been met with disdain and skepticism. YYM proponents emphasize their commitment to President Museveni’s vision and their grassroots mobilization efforts, driven by a genuine desire for youth empowerment.
In response to the NRM Youth League’s statement, the YYM has reaffirmed its dedication to President Museveni’s candidacy in 2026 and its mission to mobilize youth support within the NRM party. Jacob Eyeru, Chairperson of the National Youth Council of Uganda and National Coordinator of the YYM Initiative, asserts the group’s independence from undue influence and its adherence to constitutional principles.
As tensions escalate, the rift between the NRM Youth League’s leadership and youth activists underscores the broader struggle for political representation and engagement within Uganda’s political sphere. The YYM’s steadfast commitment to its objectives signals a paradigm shift in youth participation, challenging traditional power dynamics and advocating for inclusive political discourse.
In conclusion, the response to the YYM petition by the NRM Youth League’s leadership reflects deeper fissures within Uganda’s political landscape. As youth activism gains momentum, the need for constructive dialogue and genuine engagement becomes increasingly apparent.