State Minister for Microfinance, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, has rallied newly elected National Resistance Movement leaders in Masaka District to shift their focus from internal disputes to effective service delivery, warning that political success depends on performance at the grassroots.
Kasolo made the remarks during a meeting with district leaders held at Solo Hytes Hotel, where the officials had gathered to appreciate his role in rebuilding the party’s strength in the Greater Masaka sub-region, an area that has for years leaned towards the opposition.
The meeting took on a celebratory tone as the leaders presented the minister with gifts including bunches of matooke, poultry, and pineapples, symbolizing gratitude for what they described as his decisive grassroots mobilization efforts.
Several leaders credited Kasolo’s involvement for their electoral success. Among them were councilors Godfrey Ssebwana of Buwunga Sub-county, Immaculate Namaganda representing persons with disabilities, and Benjamin Mukisa representing the youth. They noted that prior to his intervention, morale among party supporters had significantly declined.
They said Kasolo’s support, ranging from mobilization drives to facilitation of community-based initiatives, helped the party secure a commanding victory, winning 15 out of 17 district council seats and all sub-county leadership positions.
Masaka District LC V chairperson-elect, John Kakande, described the minister’s encouragement during the party primaries as a turning point that gave candidates the confidence to contest under the NRM ticket.
Despite the victory, Kasolo cautioned the leaders against complacency. He urged them to avoid what he termed as “politics of comfort” and instead commit to tangible service delivery that improves livelihoods.
He further advised councilors not to rely solely on official allowances, but to invest in personal income-generating activities to sustain themselves and remain independent-minded leaders.
“Leadership is about impact, not entitlement. Deliver for your people and build the credibility that will carry you to higher offices,” Kasolo said.
Meanwhile, Masaka District NRM Chairperson, Harman Muwulya, raised concerns over the party’s district headquarters. He revealed that although land for the office was acquired, the land title has not yet been transferred from former chairperson Peter Ssenkungu.
Muwulya appealed to the minister to intervene and ensure the matter is resolved to enable the party establish a permanent and functional base in the district.
The meeting underscored both the optimism within the party following recent electoral gains and the internal administrative challenges that still need to be addressed as the NRM seeks to consolidate its presence in Masaka.
