TOP STORY: Namboze Questions Museveni’s Identity After 2026 Poster Drops Key Names
KAMPALA –
Just hours after the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) unveiled its official 2026 presidential campaign poster, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Bakireke Namboze sparked public debate by questioning the legality and consistency of President Yoweri Museveni’s names on the campaign materials.
Appearing on NBS TV’s Barometer show, the outspoken MP pointed out that the new poster lists the president simply as “Yoweri Museveni,” a notable shift from previous election cycles. In 2016, he used “Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” and in 2021, he adopted “Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni.” The omission of both “Kaguta” and “Tibuhaburwa” has raised eyebrows.
“This isn’t a small change. If the President can alter his names so casually on official campaign material, Ugandans deserve to know whether proper legal procedures were followed,” Namboze said, adding that the inconsistency fuels public confusion over the President’s identity.
She drew a personal comparison, noting that when she legally added her husband’s surname, Bakireke, she was required to swear an affidavit and publish the change in the Uganda Gazette — a process she believes should apply to all public figures, including the head of state.
Namboze also reignited a long-running controversy over Museveni’s exact date of birth, referencing past statements in which the President admitted he does not know the precise day he was born — yet celebrates birthdays annually.
“How can someone not know their birthday but still throw a party every year? These are basic things that should be clear — especially for someone who wants to lead a country,” she added.
Her remarks come amid the NRM’s full-throttle preparations for the 2026 elections. During the poster launch, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong touted the party’s development track record in health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, while pointing to the election of 2.5 million leaders in recent party primaries as proof of grassroots strength.
NRM Vice Chairman Moses Kigongo called on party members to take responsibility for their performance and avoid blaming officials, emphasizing that the ruling party competes on issues, not personalities.
The campaign poster launch coincides with a flurry of internal activity within the NRM, including vetting of Central Executive Committee (CEC) candidates at State House, Entebbe, beginning today. This will be followed by a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and a massive Delegates’ Conference at Kololo Independence Grounds on August 27–28, expected to host over 45,000 delegates, including opposition leaders and international guests.
Namboze’s sharp critique has reignited public scrutiny on transparency and legal compliance, especially surrounding Uganda’s long-serving leader as he seeks another term. Her comments reflect growing demands in Kyadondo and beyond for clarity, even as the NRM pushes forward with its message of continuity and national development.
With the 2026 campaign now in motion, the debate over names on a poster has quickly evolved into a broader conversation about accountability, rule of law, and the image of Uganda’s highest office.
