In a result that has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s ruling party, Lieutenant (Rtd) Moses Mushabe has decisively defeated the incumbent, Security Minister Maj Gen (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi, for the powerful position of National Chairperson of the NRM Veterans League.
The election, held on Monday, August 26, 2025, during the NRM Delegates Conference, saw Mushabe secure a commanding 1,047 votes against Muhwezi’s 570, signaling a significant shift in the political dynamics within the party’s top echelons.
A Clear Mandate for Change
Mushabe’s victory is being widely interpreted as a deliberate move by party delegates to elevate a new generation of leadership. As the current NRM chairman for Isingiro District and a key figure in Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Mushabe now assumes a critical role on the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC). His win reinforces the growing influence of younger, ambitious politicians who are challenging the old guard.
Concession and Future Plans of a Seasoned Politician
The defeated incumbent, Maj Gen (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi, a long-serving Security Minister and former Rujumbura County MP, gracefully conceded defeat. Reports indicate that Muhwezi will now redirect his efforts toward retaining his parliamentary seat in the upcoming 2026 elections. It is also understood that he hopes to be reappointed to the cabinet for the 2026–2031 term, which he has stated would be his last before retiring from active politics.
Election Marred by Broader Irregularities
The Veterans League poll was a rare example of clarity in a conference otherwise dominated by controversy. The elections for other internal leagues, most notably the Entrepreneurs League, were halted or postponed due to widespread allegations of corruption and electoral irregularities. This context makes Mushabe’s clean and undisputed victory all the more significant.
Implications for the NRM
Analysts view this upset as more than a simple change of personnel; it is a potential bellwether for the party’s future. The result underscores a possible realignment of loyalties and the rising clout of groups like the PLU within the broader NRM structure. As the party gears up for the 2026 general elections, this power shift suggests a party in transition, balancing its established veterans with its emerging stars.
Summary of Key Facts
Aspect Details
Winner Lt (Rtd) Moses Mushabe (1,047 votes)
Defeated Maj Gen (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi (570 votes)
Significance A major shift in party dynamics, favoring younger leadership aligned with new political movements.
Muhwezi’s Next Steps To focus on retaining his parliamentary seat and seek a final cabinet appointment before retirement.
Election Context Result stands in contrast to other league elections that were disrupted by allegations of corruption.
