National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders and mobilizers have intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign tour of the Kigezi sub-region.
On Friday, NRM flag bearers and District Executive Committee members from the six districts of Kigezi convened at Agaba Center Hotel in Kabale Municipality as part of the preparations for the President’s visit.
Addressing the leaders, the NRM Director for Mobilisation, Cadre Identification, Recruitment and Placement, Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, said this campaign will be spearheaded by party structures from the village level upwards.
“This time round, this campaign is in the hands of the structures. The President has made it very clear. The leaders at the village are now in charge of this campaign, and the district committee is heading the campaign at district level,” she said. “It is the reason we have had mass rallies, because the leaders have done the mobilization.”
She expressed confidence that these structures will deliver victory in the upcoming polls.
“Even in the campaign for the 15th of January, the leaders are going to do a good job. We trust them, we believe in them, and that is why we are giving them guidance on how this can be done,” she added.
Rubanda: Minister Musasizi rallies youth to protect NRM gains
In Rubanda District, on Saturday, the Minister of Finance (General Duties) and District NRM Chairperson, Henry Musasizi, met NRM Youth League leaders and Youth Council representatives at Volcano Hotel in Rubanda Town Council.
Minister Musasizi asked NRM Youth League leaders and Youth Council representatives to protect the gains Rubanda and the country have registered over the years, noting that government investment in the district is visible in every parish.
“At least every parish in Rubanda District has a government-funded primary school. In fact, some parishes have more than one, which shows how far we have come in expanding access to education,” he said, adding that similar progress has been made in infrastructure. “All parishes in the district now have access roads, something that was not the case years ago.”
Musasizi applauded the young leaders for stepping forward to take up leadership roles, saying their participation is vital for sustaining these achievements, and assured them that his door remains open.
“I am here to guide and mentor you into becoming even better leaders, not just in youth politics but throughout your future careers,” he said.
He challenged youth leaders to take the lead in utilizing government wealth creation programmes, especially the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“PDM is seed capital. When you get it, remember to multiply the money and re-invest,” he emphasized.
Musasizi further urged the youth to draw inspiration from President Museveni’s long service.
“Every day, President Museveni is thinking hard and working to see that Ugandans get better. You too should ensure that your communities are transformed, leading by example,” he said.
President Museveni is scheduled to hold his campaign rally at Kabirizi Playground in Rubanda Town Council on Monday.
Kisoro: Leaders push for overwhelming NRM support
In Kisoro District, NRM Chairperson Dr. Philemon Mateke has called on party flag bearers and subcounty chairpersons to intensify mobilisation ahead of the President’s visit, emphasizing the need to secure an overwhelming vote for the NRM.
Speaking during a district mobilisation meeting at the Municipal Council main hall, Dr. Mateke urged leaders to strengthen grassroots structures and rally voters to uphold Kisoro’s long-standing support for President Museveni.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Ndikumwami Dan echoed the call, stressing the importance of mobilising for the President’s votes in order to maintain Kisoro’s legacy of consistently giving him high electoral percentages.
NRM District Mobiliser Alex Nambajimana encouraged flag bearers and subcounty party chairpersons to work closely with the District Executive Committee (DEC) to sensitise communities. He underscored the need to engage key groups such as artists, boda boda riders, taxi drivers and other local influencers during mobilisation.
Kisoro RDC Hajji Badru Sebyala emphasized transparency and the preservation of the current NRM leadership. He noted that despite persistent local demands, such as the establishment of Kale Institute, the district has greatly benefited from President Museveni’s leadership.
He remarked that “Bafumbira can never get an ally better than President Museveni.”
The Kisoro District Health Creation Boss, Rt. Con. Deo Kayita, warned that failure to vote NRM would jeopardise the district’s progress. He recalled the hardships suffered during past political instability, including years without pay in the 7th Battalion, and urged residents not to repeat history.
NRM Secretariat Senior Manager for Mobilisation, Eyanga Samuel, commended Kisoro for consistently giving President Museveni high voting percentages and expressed confidence that the district’s support would continue as long as leaders prioritise unity.
He appealed to independent candidates to respect NRM principles, noting that the President will have limited time to address internal disputes once he arrives in the district. He urged local party leaders to promote cooperation, stability and unity among members.
Eyanga also acknowledged ongoing challenges such as impassable roads and assured residents that these concerns have been noted.
President Museveni is expected in Kisoro and Rubanda districts on Monday. He will campaign in Rukiga and Kabale on Tuesday, before concluding his Kigezi tour with Kanungu and Rukungiri on Wednesday.
