BUDAKA — National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer and Bukedi Sub-region Team Leader Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo has urged party leaders in Bukedi to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming Local Council and Village Women Council elections.
Speaking during the NRM Bukedi Sub-region entry meeting held at Marple Cottages in Kamonkoli Town Council, Budaka District, Ambassador Barbara said the party’s strength depends on maintaining active structures at the village level.
The meeting brought together key party and political leaders from the region, including Members of Parliament, LCV chairpersons and representatives from various NRM structures.
Ambassador Barbara commended the people of Bukedi for their support towards the victory of NRM National Chairman and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the recent elections, saying the region contributed significantly to the party’s performance.
She said the upcoming grassroots elections present an opportunity to consolidate that support by ensuring that NRM structures remain organised and connected with communities.
“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,” Ambassador Barbara said.
She noted that while national elections often attract greater public attention, Local Council elections are equally important because they directly influence service delivery and the implementation of government programmes.
According to Ambassador Barbara, national leaders formulate policies and allocate resources, but local leaders are responsible for ensuring that programmes reach communities.
She reminded party leaders of the historical role played by grassroots structures during the liberation struggle, when Village Revolutionary Councils helped organise communities, gather information, maintain security and coordinate civilian administration.
She said those responsibilities continue today through Local Council structures, which serve as the link between government and citizens.
Ambassador Barbara encouraged leaders to use village structures to promote government initiatives, including the Parish Development Model, and to remain aware of challenges affecting local communities.
She urged party leaders to take advantage of the village barazas scheduled for July 22, 2026, as platforms to mobilise support for NRM candidates contesting in the LC1 and Village Women Council elections.
The Village Women Council elections are scheduled for July 23, 2026, while LC1 Chairperson elections will take place on July 28, 2026.
“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.
She challenged leaders to engage directly with voters and ensure communities understand the importance of participating in the grassroots elections.
The meeting also focused on harmonising mobilisation strategies ahead of the polls and strengthening coordination among party structures across Bukedi Sub-region.
Those in attendance included Bukedi Sub-regional Coordinator Rogers Mulindwa, who is also the Senior Manager for Communication and Media, alongside members of the sub-regional team and party officials supporting mobilisation and coordination activities.
The Bukedi meeting was part of a nationwide engagement by NRM sub-regional teams aimed at strengthening party structures, coordinating grassroots mobilisation and preparing leaders for participation in the upcoming Local Council elections.
The party leadership said the exercise is intended to ensure that NRM structures remain active and connected with communities from the village level upwards.