The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has intensified its grassroots mobilisation drive for presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni and other flag bearers in Bukedi, focusing on localised engagement with ordinary citizens ahead of the January 15 general elections.
NRM regional coordinator Derrick Orone emphasised reconnecting with supporters at the lowest level.
“We should work together as a team to realise the objectives. The President will automatically win, but needs a bigger margin,” Orone said, addressing over 1,000 farmers from the Bukedi sub-region at Kamonkoli College, Budaka District.
Orone cautioned against supporting NRM-leaning independent candidates, saying, “We should be bound only to support NRM flag bearers.”
He also urged NRM flag bearers to respect others, stating, “It’s not a guarantee that once entrusted with the flag [ticket] automatically guarantees heaven, but must give respect to every voter.”
NRM flag bearer for Pallisa Woman seat, Catherine Achola, expressed concern over internal fights within the party.
“Independent candidates have ganged up with a section of the NRM executive to fight flag bearers, likely affecting the party’s performance,” Achola said.
Achola noted that NRM leaders are prioritising support for President Museveni while neglecting other flag bearers.
“This tendency of supporting only the President, leaving out official flag bearers, is quite dangerous and may cause the party to collapse,” she warned.
Regional coordinator Yona Oboth applauded Bukedi residents for supporting Museveni, promising empowerment through various interventions.
“The President will work to ensure that people of Bukedi are fully empowered,” Oboth said.
However, farmers from Bukedi requested inclusion in the cattle compensation program, citing past losses due to insurgency and cattle raids.
Stephen Kebba, LC1 Chairman for Kiralaka village, said, “We [Budaka] were also affected by the 1987 insurgency and Karamoja cattle raids, leaving people vulnerable. We call upon government to include districts which experienced cattle raids.”
The NRM’s intensified mobilisation drive comes as the country prepares for the general elections, with candidates vying for various positions. The elections are scheduled to take place on January 15.