Revivalist Movement Calls For Reforms Within NRM To Uphold Democracy

By Gad Masereka

Kampala, Uganda: The Revivalist Movement, a group of young cadres within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has issued a call for urgent reforms to restore the party’s founding principles of democracy, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

While addressing the press in Kampala, Isaac Rukanda, the Team Leader and Chief Commissar of the Revivalist Movement, expressed concern over the NRM’s current trajectory. Rukanda emphasized that the group does not oppose the party’s leadership but seeks to rejuvenate its commitment to internal democracy and governance.

The group highlighted several critical issues, including a legal suit filed against the NRM, its Secretary General, and the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for failing to conduct internal elections since 2016. According to Rukanda, this failure violates both the NRM Constitution and the Ugandan Constitution, undermining the credibility of the party.

While speaking to the press, Keith Namara Kyaruzi, the lawyer representing the Revivalist Movement, elaborated on the legal basis of the case, filed as Civil Case Miscellaneous Cause No. 0230 of 2024. He stated that the suit is grounded in the Ugandan Constitution, particularly Articles 38, 59, and 71. “Article 38 provides every Ugandan the right to participate in the governance of their country, including political organizations. Article 59 guarantees citizens’ rights to free and fair participation in political activities, while Article 71 mandates that political parties adhere to democratic principles in their internal governance,” said Metrics.

Counsel Keith also pointed to the Political Parties and Organizations Act, which under Section 10 requires political parties to conduct regular elections in line with their constitutions. “The NRM Constitution, under Article 46, mandates internal elections every five years. This has not been done since 2016, which is the genesis of this case,” he explained.

The legal team is seeking several orders, including a declaration that the failure to conduct internal elections is a violation of civil rights. “We are also asking the court to declare the current NRM officials unlawfully occupying their positions and compel the party to organize internal elections immediately,” Keith added.
He also emphasized that this case is vital not only for the Revivalist Movement but also for upholding the democratic principles enshrined in the NRM and the broader governance framework of Uganda.

“The case was filed on October 31, 2024, and is pending scheduling in the High Court. We urge Ugandans to follow it closely, as the results will have significant implications for the party and the nation’s democratic future,” Keith highlighted.

The Revivalist Movement criticized the NRM Secretariat for its inability to issue membership cards since 2015 and maintain a functional party register. This failure, they argued, has left members disenfranchised and eroded trust in the party’s leadership.

Rukanda also pointed to the chaotic Kisoro by-election as evidence of the party’s organizational failures, citing the absence of senior leaders, including the Secretary General, during the event. “Such actions raise serious questions about leadership commitment,” he noted.

The Revivalist Movement outlined its mission to empower youth and marginalized groups within the NRM, hold leaders accountable, and foster openness and engagement. “Our goal is to ensure that the voices of all NRM members are heard and that the party remains a beacon of democracy,” said Rukanda.

The group called on NRM members, particularly the youth, to take an active role in safeguarding the party’s future. “The youth are the lifeblood of the NRM. It is our responsibility to protect its values and demand change,” Rukanda stated.

Acknowledging the efforts of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in upholding the NRM’s vision, the group urged other leaders to emulate his commitment to both party and country. They also praised the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) for its grassroots mobilization efforts, which have kept the NRM ideology alive.

The Revivalist Movement reaffirmed its dedication to reforming the NRM, describing their efforts as essential to preserving the party’s legacy. “We are not an opposition but a force for renewal. Together, we can restore the NRM to its founding principles and ensure its continued relevance,” added Rukanda.