Fresh allegations have emerged in the ongoing debate over President Yoweri Museveni’s succession, with Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) mobiliser Frank Mwesigye accusing businessman Odrek Rwabwogo of attempting to secure support from senior NRM officials for his own presidential ambitions.
Mwesigye claims that Rwabwogo became uncomfortable after learning that his name had not featured in the recent closed-door discussions by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) regarding Museveni’s possible successor. According to him, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba was the only name that emerged prominently during the discussions.
The PLU official alleges that Rwabwogo subsequently reached out to influential members of the ruling party, seeking their assistance in getting his name considered during the next CEC meeting. He reportedly wanted the officials to help him gain recognition as another possible candidate to replace Museveni.
Among the officials mentioned by Mwesigye are NRM National Youth League chairman Collins Tanga and Eastern Region CEC Vice Chairman David Calvin Echodu. He claims that Rwabwogo held engagements with them and several other party members to discuss his alleged political ambitions.
In his statement, Mwesigye argued that Rwabwogo was attempting to challenge the direction reportedly taken during the succession discussions by pushing for his name to be considered instead of Gen. Muhoozi. He insisted that the President understands the country’s political situation and knows the direction he believes the ruling party should take.
Mwesigye also made allegations of attempts to influence CEC members through private meetings and financial inducements, although he did not provide evidence or identify anyone who had received money. He maintained that such efforts would not change the position he believes is gaining support within the party.
The accusations have added another twist to the increasingly sensitive succession debate within the NRM, particularly as different political figures continue to attract attention over the question of who could eventually succeed Museveni. However, Mwesigye’s claims have not independently established that Rwabwogo is seeking the presidency or that the alleged lobbying took place.
At the time of publication, Rwabwogo had not publicly responded to the allegations, leaving questions about the alleged meetings and his political intentions unanswered. It remains to be seen whether he will address Mwesigye’s claims as the debate over Museveni’s succession continues.
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