Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, a prominent member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and vocal supporter of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has issued a passionate public warning about the direction Uganda’s ruling party is taking. In a strongly worded Twitter post, Balaam expressed alarm over what he described as the growing influence of wealthy individuals within the party—an influence he believes threatens to undermine its founding values.
Addressing President Museveni directly in his message, Balaam voiced fears that NRM’s ideological foundations—built on years of sacrifice and struggle—are now at risk of being replaced by the politics of money. He urged the President to reassert control over the party and protect its leadership structures from being manipulated by those with financial muscle.
Specifically, Balaam called on Museveni to take charge of nominating members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), with final approval resting in the hands of the National Delegates Conference. According to Balaam, this would safeguard the party from being captured by elites who may lack a genuine commitment to the people and the NRM’s vision.
“The politics of money must be rejected,” Balaam wrote. “Our votes must never be sold to the highest bidder.”
His remarks have sparked debate both within political circles and across social media, with many Ugandans agreeing that the NRM is straying from its revolutionary roots. As the country edges closer to another electoral season, concerns are mounting that loyalty, ideology, and service to the people are being overshadowed by wealth and personal ambition.
Balaam’s message serves as both a warning and a call to action. He reminded the party of its original mission: to serve Ugandans and uphold the principles that brought the National Resistance Army (NRA) to power. Whether or not President Museveni will act on this warning is unclear—but the message is unmistakable: if NRM continues down this path, it risks losing its soul to the very forces it once opposed.
However, some people think Balaam should not bother his boss by trying to advise on things that seem very big for him.
Kato Joshua of Makindye commenting on this story said President Museveni should be able to know and see how messed up the NRM party especially how the elections have been conducted.
“Why does Balaam bother his boss, President Museveni is around he should be able to know that things are getting bad in the party and the running of government.
