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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed that within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), there is no hierarchy between long-serving members and those who have recently joined. He dismissed suggestions of differentiating between the two categories, stressing that all members contribute equally to strengthening the party.

In a statement reflecting on the recently concluded 4th NRM National Conference at Kololo, Museveni responded to renewed debate around seniority in relation to the position of Second National Vice-Chairperson (Female). First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga had raised concerns about her rival, Speaker Anita Among, questioning her length of service within the NRM.

Museveni, however, insisted that distinguishing between “old” and “new” members would be “insulting and repulsive.” He compared the situation to the parable of the vineyard workers in the Gospel of Matthew, where both early and late arrivals were treated equally by the landowner.

“In the Kingdom of God, there is no young and no old. Likewise, in politics, all members should be equal,” he said.

The President urged senior members to focus on solving people’s problems through government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. He argued that service delivery, not seniority, is what guarantees relevance in politics.

Membership Verification Exercise

Museveni also congratulated the NRM for successfully completing a nationwide membership verification exercise that began in May 2025. In his home village of Rwakitura, the register reduced from 350 names to 251 after removing those who had migrated or passed away. Nationally, the NRM confirmed more than 20 million members, including 18.5 million of voting age.

He noted that this exercise, followed by the election of delegates, culminated in two major conferences at Kololo, which some Ugandans still call “Namboole” out of habit, since previous conferences were held there.

The Question of Equality

Museveni explained that the NRM’s ideology rests on four principles: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. He stressed that politics should be based on interests, not identity such as tribe or religion, and that anyone who subscribes to these principles is welcome to join the NRM at any time.

On the issue of seniority, he recalled how the same debate had been resolved in earlier years. He emphasized that even if the party’s legal guidelines required a minimum period of service before vying for leadership, it would still be a mistake.

To illustrate, he referenced his days in the Scripture Union (1961–1966) and the biblical parable of workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16). Just as all workers received equal pay regardless of when they joined, Museveni stressed that all NRM members should be treated equally, regardless of when they joined.

Historical Lessons

He warned against repeating the mistakes of past political parties like the Democratic Party (DP) in 1980, which alienated potential allies by focusing on seniority and identity politics. Drawing from his own experience, Museveni reminded members that he had been both a DP and later a UPC member before founding the NRM, and that newcomers can sometimes contribute more energy and vision than long-serving members.

He gave the example of St. Paul, once an enemy of Christianity, who later became one of its strongest defenders—greater than many of the original disciples. Likewise, new members, he said, can reinvigorate the NRM.

Quoting a Runyankore proverb, “Oyorora zoona, tomanya erahiigye” (when puppies are young, you feed them equally because you cannot know which will become the best hunting dog), Museveni emphasized that it is unwise to undermine new members, as their future potential may exceed expectations.

The Way Forward

Museveni concluded by reminding senior NRM members that their continued relevance depends on effectively addressing the needs of Ugandans, not on claiming seniority. He urged them to focus on implementing government programs that improve livelihoods, which would naturally keep them in the people’s favor.

“In politics, as in the Kingdom of Heaven, there is no young and no old. All members are equal,” Museveni stated.

Signed:
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
Ssaabalwanyi