In a bold and passionate message posted on Twitter, Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, a prominent member of Uganda’s ruling party—the National Resistance Movement (NRM)—has raised serious concerns about the direction the party is taking. Addressing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the National Chairman of NRM, Balaam expressed fear that the party is slowly being taken over by wealthy individuals whose influence may damage its founding principles.
Balaam, known for his strong loyalty to the NRM and to President Museveni, warned that the politics of money could destroy the party’s ideology, which was built on the long and difficult struggle of the people. He pleaded with President Museveni to take full control of the party’s leadership and ensure that key positions, especially within the Central Executive Committee (CEC), are not influenced by money but by true commitment to the party’s values.
He urged the President to personally nominate members of the CEC and have them approved by the National Delegates Conference. According to Balaam, this move would protect the party from being taken over by rich individuals who may not have the people’s best interests at heart.
“The politics of money must be rejected,” Balaam wrote. “Our votes must never be sold to the highest bidder.”
This statement has sparked conversation within political circles and among Ugandans on social media. Many see Balaam’s warning as timely, especially as the country prepares for future elections. It highlights growing concern that money and influence are beginning to outweigh ideology and loyalty within the NRM ranks.
Balaam’s call is a strong reminder of the party’s original mission—serving the people and staying true to the vision that brought the National Resistance Army (NRA) to power. Whether or not President Museveni will act on this call remains to be seen, but the message is loud and clear: the NRM must return to its roots, or risk being reshaped by those who value wealth more than the people’s struggle.
