Kiruhura – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has lauded the people of Rwakitura for their enthusiastic and disciplined participation in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) village-level elections, which involved verifying the party register and electing grassroots leaders, including LC I flag bearers.
Speaking from the Rwakitura cell in Nshwerenkye parish, Kiruhura District, where he oversaw the exercise, President Museveni, who also serves as the NRM National Chairman, expressed satisfaction with the process and the civic responsibility displayed by the community.
“I want to thank the people of Rwakitura for checking the register to confirm their details,” President Museveni said. “This verification is essential for ensuring free and fair elections within the party. I urge you to continue supporting our NRM flag bearers in all upcoming elections.”
Out of 351 registered members, 290 were confirmed after a thorough audit that removed 61 names of deceased individuals or those who had relocated.
The President highlighted the increasing involvement of young people in party structures and encouraged them to take an even more active role in shaping the future of Uganda through responsible leadership.
On matters of development, Museveni urged residents to embrace wealth creation through modern farming techniques like zero grazing. Citing the example of Richard Nyakana, a farmer in Kabarole District who earns substantial income from a small parcel of land, Museveni emphasised that one acre could sustain up to eight cows with proper pasture management.
He pledged government support in the form of pasture development and solar-powered irrigation systems, particularly to aid banana farmers and dairy producers. “Banana growers must irrigate and fertilise—rain alone is not enough,” he said.
The President also addressed family land disputes, advising against subdividing land among heirs. Instead, he recommended forming family-owned companies to manage and profit collectively from inherited property, fostering both economic sustainability and family unity.
The ongoing NRM village election exercise is being spearheaded nationwide by Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission. Dr. Odoi, who spoke at a community baraza in Rwakitura, emphasised the party’s goal of cleaning its membership register through a transparent, community-led process.
“This is the first phase of our activity — cleaning up our register,” Odoi said. “We are identifying who is alive, who has moved, and who is truly a member. Any underage children or opposition members wrongly listed will be removed.”
Residents of Rwakitura actively participated in verifying the register and electing new village leaders, including positions such as Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Secretary for Publicity. Elections were also held for representatives of special interest groups like women, youth, persons with disabilities, veterans, and older persons.
Dr. Odoi clarified that while youth between 18 and 35 can participate in NRM structures, only those under 30 can contest for national youth leadership positions. He also announced the postponement of elections in Rubirizi District, one Serere constituency, and Kapelebyong Village due to market activities and the death of a flagbearer. These polls will be held the following day.
Mr. Nzeire Kaguta, the NRM Chairperson for Kiruhura District and brother to the President, was also present. He confirmed his status in the register and thanked the President for his direct involvement and leadership.
As the NRM continues to hold similar elections in over 72,000 villages across Uganda, the exercise is expected to solidify its grassroots structures ahead of sub-county, district, and national-level political activities, building momentum toward the next general elections.