NRM directs party flag-bearers to include Museveni on posters

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National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretary general Richard Todwong has directed all party flag-bearers to include President Yoweri Museveni’s photograph on their campaign posters ahead of the 2026 General Elections.

The directive, which applies to all NRM candidates, including Members of Parliament and LC5 chairpersons, was issued on Sunday, October 5, 2025, during a strategic meeting in Gulu city for party leaders and flag-bearers from the Acholi region.

Todwong said the party central executive committee (CEC) had resolved that featuring the President’s image on campaign materials would strengthen the party’s visibility and reaffirm its unity under Museveni’s leadership.

“Some candidates, fearing opposition backlash, have deliberately avoided using the president’s image on their posters. This must stop,” Todwong emphasised. 

“President Museveni remains the face of our movement, and his leadership should be proudly represented in every campaign.”

He further warned against individuals claiming to have been appointed as presidential mobilisers without official authorisation. Todwong clarified that any such appointments must come directly from the Office of the Secretary General to maintain order and transparency within the party.

In a shift from past election strategies, Todwong announced that the formation of a national campaign task force would be suspended this year. Instead, he encouraged flagbearers to rely on established local structures, emphasising grassroots mobilisation as the most effective way to connect with voters.

Flagbearers in attendance expressed mixed reactions to the directive.

Simon Peter Oryem Adum, the NRM parliamentary flag-bearer for Chua West County in Kitgum district, welcomed the decision, noting that he had already displayed Museveni’s image on his campaign vehicles and planned to include it on his smaller posters.

Edward Otto Makmot, the NRM flagbearer for Agago County, said he had already incorporated the President’s portrait on his banners and teardrop materials but expressed concern that smaller posters might appear crowded.

Meanwhile, Christine Lanyero, the NRM flag-bearer for Nwoya Woman MP, said her admiration for President Museveni inspired her to include his image in her campaign materials even before the directive was issued.

However, Tony Blair Olanya Olenge from Kitgum raised concerns about potential voter confusion.

“People will see our posters alongside the president’s image, but when they go to the ballot, only one picture—the candidate’s—appears. That could confuse some voters,” he observed.

Todwong also instructed NRM parliamentary candidates, especially those in Gulu, to align their nomination schedules with President Museveni’s upcoming campaign visit to the region. He encouraged them to mobilise supporters to attend the rallies, calling them vital opportunities for visibility and solidarity.

During the president’s visit, Todwong said only the LCV chairperson would be allowed to address the crowd. He urged LCVs to use the platform to highlight government achievements and outline ongoing challenges within their districts.

The NRM Secretary General also cautioned leaders against travelling to other areas during the president’s tour, stressing that their presence at local events was critical to demonstrating unity and support.

NRM members across the Acholi sub-region are expected to turn out in large numbers during President Museveni’s visit, reinforcing the party’s message of loyalty, cohesion, and continued leadership under the NRM banner.