Minister Balaam Warns Against Rising Influence of Wealth in NRM Politics

The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, has raised concerns over what he calls the growing influence of wealthy individuals in shaping the internal politics of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Minister Balaam addressed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the National Chairman of NRM, cautioning that the party’s founding values risk being undermined by the “politics of money.”

“Your Excellency, President and Chairman General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, I express concern that the NRM party is increasingly falling under the influence of wealthy individuals,” he wrote.

He urged the President to take full control over the nomination and vetting process for the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, proposing that candidates be directly nominated by the National Chairman and approved by the National Delegates Conference.

According to the Minister, this would help safeguard the National Resistance Army/National Resistance Movement (NRA/NRM) ideology, which he said is built on a “protracted people’s struggle” rather than financial influence.

“We must reject the politics of money and ensure our votes are not sold to the highest bidder,” Balaam emphasized, noting the importance of protecting the party’s democratic processes from undue monetary interference.

The Minister, known for his strong defense of the party’s revolutionary identity, called on members to remain vigilant in upholding the principles that have guided the movement for decades.

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