The highly anticipated NRM elections for village structures and LC1 chairperson flag bearers were successfully concluded at all 72,000 village polling stations across the country.
The process commenced at 10 a.m. with barazas to verify village registers, ensuring the accuracy of all listed names and corresponding details.
Following this, voters lined up behind their preferred candidates to elect leaders for all 30 village positions.
The NRM National Chairman and President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the First Lady, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, actively participated in the party elections in their respective home villages Rwakitura Cell in Kiruhura District and Ireenga Cell in Ntungamo District.
At Nshwerenkye village, the registrar reported that the Yellow Book contained 290 verified voters, after removing 61 names of individuals who were either unknown, had migrated, or were deceased.
“These 290 voters are already registered and confirmed,” President Museveni said. “Of course, I know of others who aren’t yet on the list. For instance, my grandchildren children of Gen. Muhoozi are now above 18 and will want to join the party, but their names aren’t yet included. They will be added later.”
He added, “What we wanted was to confirm the accuracy of the current list. The NRM Secretariat will advise on when and how those missing can be added. That’s what we did from 10 a.m., followed by electing the structures.”
NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, assured the National Chairman and all party members of the Commission’s readiness to conduct free and fair primary elections across all levels.
“Our membership register is reliable and dependable, enabling us to conduct trustworthy elections,” Dr. Tanga noted.
However, he revealed that elections in Rubirizi District and Serere County were postponed due to coinciding market days.
Additionally, polling in one village in Kapelebyong District was halted following the death of an aspirant.
President Museveni also cautioned villagers against dividing family estates into increasingly smaller plots, warning that it undermines development.
“I advise families, especially the younger generation, to consider consolidating family land and using it jointly. The population is growing, but the land remains the same,” he said.
The Nshwerenkye baraza was attended by Kiruhura District NRM Chairman Sedrack Nzeire, Members of Parliament, and other leaders.
In Nwoya District, NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong praised the high voter turnout and peaceful conduct of the party’s village-level mobilization efforts.
“It has been going so well,” he told journalists after overseeing voting at Gang Pa Ayella Polling Station in Purongo Town Council. “I’ve been touring the countryside, and everyone has participated positively.”
At Bukakala Village, Kirema Parish in Nakaseke District, Deputy Secretary General Rt. Hon. Namayanja Rose Nsereko emphasized the importance of grassroots involvement.
“Your strong turnout reflects trust in the NRM. The timely delivery of materials and the competitive spirit across the 72,000 villages showcase confidence in our party’s vision,” she said.
Namayanja also outlined the NRM’s electoral roadmap:
Parish elections: May 12
Sub-county elections: May 16
Municipal elections: May 19
District elections: May 23
Parliamentary flag bearer elections: July 16.
National Treasurer in Busia
In Sichehe Village, Masafu Town Council, Busia District, NRM National Treasurer Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo commended party members for conducting themselves maturely. All 30 village positions were filled by consensus without the need for voting.
“This act reflects mutual respect and unity among my fellow villagers,” she said.
In Kanungu District, Deputy National Treasurer Hon. Jacqueline Kyatuheire stressed transparency, unity, and integrity in the elections.
She urged voters to support credible and committed leaders who will build a strong foundation for the party both at the grassroots and national levels.
