Why NRM Entrepreneurs Delegates Must Reject Hassan Basajjabalaba: The UMSC Power Struggle Exposed a Man Unfit for Leadership

As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) prepares to elect its next Central Executive Committee (CEC), delegates of the Entrepreneurs League must look beyond wealth and connections and weigh the character and conduct of those vying for leadership.

Among the candidates is Hajj Hassan Basajjabalaba, a man whose recent ouster from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) should give every delegate pause.

In 2023, Basajjabalaba was removed from the UMSC General Assembly, Uganda’s highest Muslim administrative body, following a fierce power struggle marked by allegations of abuse of office, manipulation of elections, and violation of the UMSC Constitution.

His removal was not arbitrary , it was the culmination of years of controversy, marked by personal ambition, internal discord, and a pattern of using religious institutions as stepping stones to political power.

Basajjabalaba’s conduct at UMSC reflected a troubling pattern. The consolidation of personal influence at the expense of institutional integrity.

He is accused of sidelining religious leaders, interfering with the office of the Mufti, and orchestrating illegal decisions that damaged the credibility of the entire Muslim leadership.

In a country where religious and cultural institutions are meant to unify, he instead sowed division and suspicion, creating factions that continue to paralyze the UMSC to this day.

Delegates must ask themselves; if this is how Basajjabalaba behaves in a spiritual institution meant to promote unity, fairness, and accountability, how will he handle power within the NRM?

Myth of the “Successful Entrepreneur

Basajjabalaba’s defenders often point to his business ventures and educational investments, such as Kampala International University, as evidence of success. But the role of Entrepreneurs League Chair is not just about running own businesses. It is about inspiring, protecting and mobilizing genuine entrepreneurs across Uganda. It is about building a culture of integrity in enterprise.

Unfortunately, Basajjabalaba’s business rise is tainted by scandal, controversial government bailouts, tax evasion claims and fraudulent land deals.

His removal from UMSC further confirms what many already suspected. He is more loyal to power than to principle more interested in controlling institutions than serving them.

Threat to NRM’s Legitimacy

Allowing such a figure to continue representing the business wing of the NRM is a dangerous signal. It tells young Ugandan entrepreneurs that ethics don’t matter, that you can manipulate institutions, undermine accountability and still be rewarded with power. It erodes public trust not only in the Entrepreneurs League but in the NRM itself.

The NRM, under President Yoweri Museveni’s long leadership has often spoken of resisting opportunists and cleansing the party of those who hijack it for selfish gain. If Basajjabalaba is allowed to continue to CEC leadership, it would be a direct contradiction of that mission.

The UMSC debacle was a red flag, a reminder that leadership without integrity leads to broken institutions and betrayed followers.

NRM entrepreneurs should heed that warning. Leadership of the Entrepreneurs League should be earned through character, service, and innovation not through coercion, manipulation, and self-enrichment.

In rejecting Hassan Basajjabalaba, the Entrepreneurs League has a chance to reset its moral compass and champion the kind of leadership Uganda truly needs. Let the delegates be guided not by fear or patronage but by principle.

The time has come to choose power for the few or integrity for the many. Choose wisely. Reject Basajjabalaba.