As the NRM prepares for its upcoming Delegates Conference scheduled for this month, the race for the National Chairperson of the NRM Entrepreneurs League has intensified, with eight prominent candidates crisscrossing the country to woo party delegates.
The contenders Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, Hassan Basajjabalaba, Edson Ruyondo, Philip Kwijuka Kakuru, Mukesh Babubhai Shukla, Sanjay Tanna, King Ceasor Augustus Mulenga, and Gyaviira Ssemwanga have been engaging grassroots leaders, articulating their visions for transforming Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape under the NRM’s economic agenda.
Among them, Hassan Basajjabalaba, a seasoned businessman and longtime NRM mobilizer, has emerged as a frontrunner, drawing attention for his practical approach to wealth creation and job growth.
Known for his deep connections with both the business community and the party’s grassroots, Basajjabalaba has been rallying support with a message centered on economic empowerment, market expansion, and policy implementation.
A Vision for Economic Transformation;
In his engagements with delegates, Basajjabalaba has emphasized:
– Expanding market access for Ugandan products locally and internationally.
– Strengthening SME support through skills development and financial linkages.
– Enhancing synergy between government programs (like Emyooga and Parish Development Model) and private-sector innovation.
“The NRM Entrepreneurs League must be more than a platform—it must be an engine for real economic change, “he stated during a recent meeting in Bushenyi, where he received overwhelming support from local business leaders.
A Competitive but United Race
While the contest remains open, analysts suggest that Basajjabalaba’s experience, mobilisation skills, and alignment with the NRM’s economic vision give him an edge. However, the other candidates bring strong credentials:
– Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari (current President of Uganda Chamber of Commerce) is advocating for industrial growth.
– Mukesh Shukla and Sanjay Tanna are pushing for investor-friendly policies.
– King Ceasor Mulenga and Gyaviira Ssemwanga are focusing on youth entrepreneurship and Sacco expansion.
The winner of this election will play a pivotal role in shaping the NRM’s economic agenda ahead of the 2026 elections, making the outcome highly significant for both the party and Uganda’s business community.
As delegates prepare to cast their votes, the NRM Entrepreneurs League is poised for a new chapter one that could redefine Uganda’s entrepreneurial future under the ruling party’s banner.
