Written by: Badr Ahmed

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni called on members of the National Resistance Movement to exercise discipline and restraint during the competition for leadership positions in parliament, warning of escalating competition for leadership posts as the formation of the twelfth parliament's leadership approaches.

Museveni calls on members of the ruling party to maintain discipline.

President Museveni’s remarks came during the first meeting of the National Resistance Movement’s parliamentary group, held at the presidential headquarters, where members of the ruling party discussed mechanisms for selecting preferred candidates to fill the positions of Speaker of Parliament and Vice President in the new legislative session.

Museveni stressed that the democratic system allows members to express their desire to assume leadership positions, but this must be done within a framework of party discipline, respect for experience and the collective interest, emphasizing that political competition should not turn into a conflict that threatens the unity of the party.

The Ugandan president said that the struggle experience of the National Resistance Movement during the years of armed struggle was based on commitment to assignments and organizational discipline, explaining that individuals did not choose their roles themselves, but rather carried out the tasks assigned to them according to the needs of the movement.

Museveni added: “When we were fighting, people didn’t declare their willingness to fight or choose their own positions; they went where they were told to go. Today, thanks to peace and stability, many are expressing their desire to run for various positions. Democracy is good, but it must be accompanied by discipline.” .

These statements reflect the Ugandan leadership's keenness to ensure a smooth transition of leadership to the new parliament, amid growing interest in parliamentary positions within the ruling party that has dominated the country's political scene for decades.

Observers believe Museveni's call comes at a sensitive time, as the ruling party is witnessing intense political activity to select the figures who will lead parliament in the coming period. The presidential message also underscores the importance of maintaining the unity of the National Resistance Movement and avoiding internal divisions that could arise from competition for top positions.

The party leadership is expected to continue its consultations in the coming period to reach an internal consensus on the candidates who will receive the movement’s support to fill key parliamentary positions, in order to ensure continued political stability and enhance the performance of the legislative institution in Uganda.