NRM MPs have endorsed president Museveni to contest as flag bearer of the party in 2016.

NRM MPs have endorsed president Museveni to contest as flag bearer of the party in 2016.

196 National Resistance Movement Members of parliament have today passed a resolution to support Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni as flag bearer of the party in the 2016 general elections.

This development was revealed by government spokesman Ofwono Opondo Tuesday afternoon on social media.

The news confirms media reports which alleged that the MPs who are in kyankwanzi for a retreat agreed to endorse Museveni as flag bearer.

Earlier, former Ugandan vice president Gilbert Bukenya said the endorsement of President Museveni as a sole candidate to lead the National Resistance Movement in the 2016 presidential elections was stage-managed.

Yoweri Museveni has ruled the East African nation for 28 years, more than half of its post-colonial history. A charismatic former rebel commander, Museveni seized power in 1986.

For many Ugandans, Yoweri Museveni is the president who brought democracy to a country reeling after decades of dictatorship and went on to steer it towards strong economic growth.

For other more critical voices, however, he is the leader who, after almost three decades in power, increasingly looks like Uganda’s president for life.

Museveni sees himself as a revolutionary, a historic figure who fought in the bush and overthrew dark forces, and whose mission to transform Uganda is not finished.