JOHANSBERG, South Africa – The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, together with senior party leaders, on Wednesday arrived safely in Johannesburg ahead of celebrations marking President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s victory in Uganda’s 2021 General Elections.
Upon arrival on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Todwong held a meeting with the Victory Party Organising Committee and members of the NRM diaspora community.
During the engagement, he delivered a message from President Museveni, reaffirming confidence in the legitimacy of the election outcome.
He emphasized that the President’s victory was decisive and urged party members to remain united and fully participate in the celebrations scheduled for March 28–29, 2026.
“There is no doubt about the President’s landslide victory. Nothing should stop members from celebrating this achievement,” Todwong said, while calling on skeptics within the party to embrace the outcome and remain committed to the NRM’s vision.
He further encouraged those with reservations to take part in patriotism and ideological training at Kyankwanzi, noting that such programmes help deepen understanding of the NRM’s principles and Uganda’s development path.
Mr. Phillip Kakuru, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Trade and one of the organisers, confirmed that preparations for the celebrations have been finalized, promising a vibrant and inclusive event.
“All Ugandans are welcome to participate, regardless of political affiliation. We encourage everyone to join the SACCO so they can benefit from similar government initiatives such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model,” Kakuru said.
He also revealed that additional senior NRM officials are expected to join the celebrations, including Eng. Jonard Asiimwe, NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Region, Tanga Odoi, and Chief Electoral Officer Mr. Syrian Bagamba, who will oversee the organisation of party structures in the diaspora.
The main celebrations will be officially held from March 28 to 29, 2026, in Cape Town, as part of broader efforts to strengthen NRM presence among Ugandans living abroad.
Todwong was accompanied by several senior party officials, including Hon. Arinaitwe Rwakajara (CEC Member), Maj. (Rtd) Awich, Director of External Affairs, and Secretariat officials. They were received by organisers led by Mr. Kakuru and Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru.
A key highlight of the celebrations will be the launch of a diaspora SACCO aimed at mobilising Ugandans abroad for collective investment. The initiative targets over 4 million Ugandans in the diaspora, with each member expected to contribute $50 monthly.
Organisers say the fund could generate up to $2.5 billion annually, which would be invested in sectors such as real estate, healthcare, stock markets, and potentially the establishment of a Ugandan diaspora bank.
The initiative is seen as a significant step toward harnessing diaspora resources to contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
