The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer and Bukedi Sub-region Team Leader, Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo, has called on party leaders across Bukedi to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming Village Women Council and Local Council (LC) elections, describing the polls as critical to strengthening the party’s foundation.
Speaking during the Bukedi Sub-region entry meeting held at Marple Cottages in Kamonkoli Town Council, Budaka District, Ambassador Barbara said the gathering was intended to align the region’s leadership on mobilisation strategies as the party prepares for the village-level elections.
The meeting brought together Members of Parliament, district chairpersons, leaders from various NRM structures and other stakeholders from across the Bukedi Sub-region.
She commended the people of Bukedi for their contribution to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s electoral victory, saying the region played a significant role in boosting the NRM’s national performance.
According to Ambassador Barbara, the upcoming grassroots elections offer the party an opportunity to consolidate those gains by building stronger structures at the village level.
“The NRM has decided not to leave the village to whom it may concern. The village is where our strength begins, and we must remain connected with our people through strong grassroots structures,” she said.
She emphasised that although national elections often receive greater public attention, Local Council elections are equally important because they provide the foundation for effective governance, community participation and implementation of government programmes.
Ambassador Barbara noted that strong grassroots leadership is vital in ensuring the successful implementation of initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), while enabling leaders to remain informed about the priorities and challenges affecting local communities.
She also echoed the message of NRM National Chairman, President Museveni, reminding party leaders of the historical significance of grassroots structures during the liberation struggle.
She said the former Village Revolutionary Councils played a central role in mobilisation, community organisation, local security and civilian administration, adding that today’s Local Council structures continue to serve as the first point of contact between government and citizens.
The NRM National Treasurer urged party leaders to fully utilise the village barazas scheduled for July 22, 2026, to mobilise support for party flag bearers ahead of the Village Women Council elections on July 23 and the LC1 Chairperson elections on July 28.
She challenged leaders to leave their offices and engage directly with communities, saying the party’s message should be communicated in simple language that resonates with ordinary wananchi.
“Let us leave comfort aside and go back to our people. We must communicate the message in languages and forms that the people at the grassroots understand and can relate to,” she said.
The meeting was also attended by the Bukedi Sub-regional Coordinator and NRM Senior Manager for Communication and Media, Rogers Mulindwa, members of the sub-regional mobilisation team and other party officials deployed to coordinate the exercise.
The Bukedi engagement is part of the NRM’s nationwide mobilisation campaign aimed at strengthening party structures, enhancing grassroots participation and preparing for the forthcoming Village Women Council and Local Council elections across the country.
