President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters to actively engage in grassroots mobilisation and wealth creation, as the party embarks on nationwide village-level elections.
Museveni, who is also the NRM National Chairman, monitored the exercise in Rwakitura cell, Nshwerenkye parish, Kiruhura District. He praised residents for verifying their membership in the NRM register and participating in the election of village leaders.
“I want to thank the people of Rwakitura for checking the register to confirm their details,” he said. “This process is vital to ensuring free and fair elections within our party.”
Out of the registered voters, 290 names were confirmed following the removal of 61 entries belonging to deceased or relocated individuals.
President Museveni encouraged continued support for NRM flagbearers at all levels, including the forthcoming general elections. He also welcomed the increased political participation of young people, saying their involvement is essential to shaping Uganda’s future.
Turning to economic empowerment, Museveni called on citizens to adopt modern farming practices such as zero grazing and pasture management to boost productivity on small plots of land. He cited farmer Richard Nyakana from Kabarole District as a model, noting his ability to sustain up to eight cows on one acre.
The President pledged to assist farmers with initiatives like pasture improvement and solar-powered irrigation systems, especially for those growing bananas and engaging in dairy production.
“Those with banana plantations need to irrigate and apply fertilizer; you can’t rely on rain alone,” Museveni said.
He also advised against splitting family land after the death of parents, instead urging families to form joint enterprises and share profits, promoting unity and sustainability.
The electoral process, led by NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi, is taking place in over 72,000 villages countrywide. Dr. Odoi affirmed the party’s commitment to transparency and community-led verification of its membership.
“This is the first phase of our activity — cleaning up our register,” he said. “We’re asking villagers to confirm who is alive, who has moved away, and who genuinely belongs to our party.”
The exercise includes electing village-level leaders such as Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Secretary for Publicity. Special Interest Groups, including women, youth, older persons, veterans, and persons with disabilities, are also choosing their representatives.
Dr. Odoi clarified that youth aged 18 to 35 can take part in village-level structures, though candidates for national youth leadership must be under 30.
He also announced the postponement of elections in Rubirizi District, a constituency in Serere, and Kapelebyong Village due to market activity and the death of a flagbearer. These polls are scheduled for the following day.
The NRM Chairperson for Kiruhura District, Nzeire Kaguta, thanked the President for supervising the exercise and confirmed his own registration in the party system.
The village-level elections mark the beginning of a wider internal process expected to shape NRM’s structures ahead of national campaigns.
