In a move raising fresh questions about internal democracy within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba has been endorsed unopposed as Chairperson of the party’s Entrepreneurs League for the 2025–2031 term.
The decision was reached during a closed-door meeting convened by President Yoweri Museveni at State Lodge Nakasero on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Also present was Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who reportedly helped broker the deal.
All other contenders—Sanjay Tanna, Philip Kakuru, and King Ceasor Mulenga—stepped down, citing the “spirit of party unity and cohesion,” as per a carefully worded communiqué issued after the meeting.
While the party hailed the outcome as a demonstration of maturity and consensus-building, critics argue that such orchestrated endorsements undermine competitive politics within the party’s internal structures.
President Museveni, who has often favored unity over open competition in party processes, welcomed the outcome.
“I would like to thank Thomas Tayebwa for bringing these factions together and all the aspirants for their foresight,” Museveni stated. “It is not just about who holds the position, but what can be achieved.”
However, observers note that the so-called consensus effectively sidelined three candidates without a transparent selection process. Questions also linger about whether their withdrawal was voluntary or influenced by high-level political pressure.
Basajjabalaba, no stranger to public controversy, is a seasoned businessman and former Chairman of the Uganda Manufacturers Association. He now assumes leadership of the NRM Entrepreneurs League—a body tasked with mobilizing business interests to support NRM’s political and development agendas.
With his endorsement now secured through backroom negotiations rather than an electoral process, all eyes will be on whether Basajjabalaba delivers results or simply becomes another political appointee with little accountability.
His term runs until 2031, a period during which the NRM is expected to prepare for another general election—likely with President Museveni at the helm once again.
