YKM Cyber Team Rallies Digital and Grassroots Support for Museveni Ahead of 2026

Kampala – In an era where political influence is increasingly shaped in the digital space, a determined group of NRM-leaning online activists is stepping into the spotlight with a mission to safeguard President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s legacy and mobilise nationwide support ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Operating under the name YKM Cyber Team, the Kawempe-based network describes itself as a “patriotic non-partisan pressure group” dedicated to defending and promoting Uganda’s social, political, and economic progress. Founded in 2021, the team has grown into a formidable force of more than 12,000 coordinators spread across the country, with the central region taking a leading share in recruitment. Their ranks include digital strategists, social media influencers, political analysts, and volunteers who blend online and grassroots mobilisation.

“Our work goes beyond posting on social media,” said Were Karim, the team’s chairman. “We are building structures on the ground—foot soldiers in every district—who talk to voters directly, counter misinformation, and explain the government’s programmes like the Parish Development Model.”

The team’s strategy hinges on the recognition that more than 70 percent of Uganda’s population is under 30, a demographic that consumes news and political content largely through digital platforms. By maintaining a constant online presence—primarily on Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok—the group runs structured campaigns to promote the President’s policies, highlight his achievements, and neutralise opposition narratives.

Their proposed activities in the coming months include daily content production featuring videos, graphics, and articles; social media hashtag campaigns; live debates and webinars with NRM leaders; and specialised training sessions for NRM supporters on effective online engagement. They also plan to deploy a cyber security and rapid response unit to swiftly counter fake news, alongside physical outreach initiatives such as rallies, seminars, and door-to-door voter engagements.

Yakubu Siraji, the team’s secretary, emphasised that the group is data-driven in its approach. “We analyse engagement trends, identify undecided voters, and tailor messages that resonate with their concerns. This is about meeting people where they are—both online and offline.”

In markets, roundabouts, and other public spaces, members intend to display campaign posters, interact with passersby, and cultivate what they describe as a “visible and relatable presence” for the President’s campaign. The team projects that with adequate facilitation from NRM and State House, they can generate over one million monthly engagements online and train more than 5,000 NRM ambassadors to amplify the campaign message.

“Our goal is to create a well-informed electorate that appreciates the government’s work and understands the stakes of the 2026 elections,” said Karim. “If we do this right, the digital and physical campaigns will feed into each other for maximum impact.”

As Uganda approaches another highly contested election cycle, the YKM Cyber Team’s model underscores a growing reality—that in modern politics, the fight for hearts and minds often begins with a hashtag but is won through sustained connection with people on the ground.