In 1981, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni founded the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as a political organization aimed at restoring democracy, peace, and stability in Uganda. The formation of the NRM followed the disputed 1980 general elections, which were widely believed to have been rigged in favor of Milton Obote’s Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). Museveni, who had participated in the elections under his Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) party, rejected the results, declaring that political change could not be achieved through unfair electoral processes.

In response, Museveni and his supporters formed the National Resistance Army (NRA) as the military wing of the NRM. On 6th February 1981, the NRA launched a guerrilla war against Obote’s government, beginning what became known as the Luwero War. The movement’s headquarters were based in the Luwero Triangle, where Museveni and his fighters waged a five year armed struggle based on discipline, patriotism, and the protection of civilians.

The NRM’s ideology was grounded in the principles of democracy, unity, and socio-economic transformation. It sought to end political instability, tribalism, and corruption that had characterized Uganda’s earlier regimes. Museveni emphasized the need for a people-centered government and the creation of structures that involved citizens in decision-making processes.
After years of resistance and strategic warfare, the NRM/NRA successfully captured state power on 26th January 1986, marking the ethe beginning of a new political era in Uganda. Museveni was sworn in as President, pledging to rebuild the nation and promote good governance.
Today, the National Resistance Movement remains the ruling political organization in Uganda, continuing to play a central role in the country’s governance and political development. Its formation in 1981 remains a turning point in Uganda’s history, symbolizing the struggle for freedom, justice, and national unity.