MASAKA CITY, UGANDA — The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat has stepped up grassroots mobilisation across the Greater Masaka sub-region ahead of the forthcoming Local Council I (LC I) elections, with party leaders urging flag bearers and supporters to strengthen village structures as the cornerstone of political organisation and community leadership.
The mobilisation meeting, held at Brovad Hotel in Masaka City, brought together senior NRM officials, government representatives, aspiring candidates and grassroots mobilisers from across the sub-region as the ruling party seeks to consolidate its support at the village level—the foundation of Uganda’s local governance system.
Among those in attendance were NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja, Greater Masaka NRM Coordinator Mulindwa Birimumaaso, Masaka City Resident City Commissioner Ahmed Washaki, Ssembabule Resident District Commissioner Faizo Sseruwagi, Rakai Resident District Commissioner Sarah Kiyimba, Robert Assimwe, the NRM flag bearer for the Kimanya-Kabonera parliamentary seat, and Justine Nakiyingi, the party’s flag bearer for Mayor of Nyendo-Mukungwe Division.
For the NRM, the LC I elections are viewed as more than a contest for village leadership. Party officials describe them as the first point of contact between government and citizens, where public participation begins and development programmes are implemented at the grassroots.
‘Grassroots Structures Are the Backbone of the Party’
Addressing party leaders and LC I candidates, Masaka City NRM Chairperson Rogers Bulegeya described village leadership as the backbone of political mobilisation and community development.
“The strength of the National Resistance Movement begins at the grassroots. We are mobilising our members to participate actively in the LC I elections because strong village leadership is the foundation of a strong movement,” Bulegeya said.
He noted that LC I leaders serve as an important link between citizens and government by facilitating access to public information, supporting community development initiatives and promoting peace at the village level.
Bulegeya urged candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns and place service above political rivalry.
“Leadership begins with serving the people. We encourage all candidates to campaign peacefully and focus on improving the welfare of the communities they seek to lead,” he added.
Namayanja Calls for Unity and Resilience
NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja commended party flag bearers for their resilience despite past political setbacks and urged them to remain focused on grassroots mobilisation.
Drawing on an African proverb, she encouraged members not to be discouraged by previous challenges.
“One fall does not stop the baby from singing.”
She said political success depends on unity, discipline, effective organisation and consistent engagement with communities.
Namayanja also highlighted what she described as the party’s progress across the Greater Masaka sub-region. She cited Masaka City and Bukomansimbi District as areas where the NRM had registered notable gains, while describing Lwengo and Kyotera as districts with strong party structures. She said Rakai District remained one of the party’s key support bases, while Kalungu District continued to require sustained mobilisation.
She further pointed to Kalangala District, where she said the party had expanded its support, and referenced President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s 71.65 per cent presidential election performance in the district as an indication of continued voter confidence.
Coordinator Urges Stronger Village Organisation
The NRM Coordinator for Greater Masaka, Mulindwa Birimumaaso, called on party leaders to strengthen coordination at village level, saying effective grassroots structures remain the foundation of a successful political organisation.
“Strong grassroots structures build a strong organisation. We must remain united, continue mobilising our members and ensure that our message reaches every village,” Birimumaaso said.
He encouraged candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns, uphold discipline and remain responsive to the concerns of local communities.
Rakai RDC Emphasises the Importance of LC I Leadership
Rakai Resident District Commissioner Sarah Kiyimba urged NRM candidates to work diligently to secure victory in their respective villages, describing LC I leadership as a critical link between communities and government programmes.
She encouraged candidates to maintain close engagement with residents and focus on addressing local challenges through effective leadership.
According to Kiyimba, strong village leadership strengthens accountability, promotes citizen participation and improves the delivery of public services.
Grassroots Support Builds Momentum
Grassroots leaders also pledged support for party candidates ahead of the elections.
Robert Ssali, the NRM Chairperson for Gayaza Village, said party members had rallied behind Emmanuel, the NRM flag bearer for LC I Chairperson of Nabowa Village, expressing confidence in his ability to provide effective local leadership.
“We encourage our people to support NRM candidates because they understand the party’s programmes and can work closely with government structures. The party has continued to strengthen grassroots mobilisation while promoting security and development within communities,” Ssali said.
He called for unity among party members and residents, saying cooperation remains essential for community development.
The Battle for the Village Vote
The forthcoming LC I elections are expected to attract candidates from the NRM, opposition political parties and independent groups.
As the first tier of Uganda’s local government system, LC I committees play an important role in community mobilisation, conflict resolution, citizen participation and connecting residents to government services.
With campaigns gathering momentum across the country, political parties are increasingly focusing on villages, recognising them as the starting point of political organisation and electoral mobilisation.
For the NRM Secretariat, the ongoing mobilisation campaign represents what party leaders describe as the “last mile of power”—the point where political structures meet ordinary citizens, where leadership is tested and where public trust is earned at the grassroots.
The post The Last Mile of Power: NRM Intensifies Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of LC I Elections in Greater Masaka appeared first on Watchdog Uganda.
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