The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer, Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa, has urged the people of the Bukedi sub-region to uphold unity as a foundation for growth and development. Bukedi comprises the districts of Busia, Butaleja, Tororo, Kibuku, Pallisa, Budaka and Butebo.
Nekesa, who served as Sub-regional Coordinator during the recently concluded elections, made the call on Thursday while meeting a team of leaders who spearheaded the parish-based grassroots mobilization strategy. The meeting was held at the NRM headquarters on Plot 10, Kyadondo Road.
She commended the team for what she described as improved party performance in Bukedi, particularly in the presidential results, where the party reportedly attained an average of over 70 percent compared to its performance in the 2021 elections.
“I commend you for delivering an overwhelming victory to our presidential and parliamentary candidates across the Bukedi sub-region. But now that elections are done, we must remain united and work for the welfare of our people. Without unity, progress will be slow,” Nekesa said.
She called on senior leaders, elected officials, cultural leaders and community influencers to forge a common direction for the sub-region’s transformation.
Although Bukedi is socially diverse, with different districts having distinct cultural institutions and languages, Nekesa cautioned against allowing such differences to cause division.
“We have good infrastructure connecting our people and universal education programs that have created a common language to improve communication and facilitate socio-economic transformation,” she said.
Nekesa urged leaders to shift focus from political mobilization to economic empowerment by encouraging communities to embrace government wealth-creation initiatives.
“You have done well politically, but the time has now come to focus on economic mobilization. Our people need guidance on creating household wealth through programs such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga and the Four-Acre Model, among others,” she said.
She also warned against land fragmentation, noting that it limits agricultural productivity.
“Unlike areas where households own vast tracts of land, people in Bukedi must adopt intensive production methods due to limited land. The small land we have left must be protected and productively utilized. Our youth must be discouraged from selling land for short-term gains. Once land is gone, it is gone. We must prevent a future where people lose both their land and livelihoods,” she advised.
The NRM Director of Mobilization, Dr. Rosemary Seninde, described the parish-based strategy as instrumental in achieving what she termed unprecedented results, citing over 72 percent support for the party’s presidential candidate.
“After elections, our task shifts to nation-building and wealth creation. The victory we celebrate was built on your sleepless nights, loyalty, resilience and hard work. You represented the party secretariat well, and we are proud of your commitment and passion,” Seninde said, urging continued close collaboration with grassroots teams in party programs.
NRM Electoral Commission Commissioner, Amb. James Kinobe, also congratulated the secretariat and party structures for what he called a successful mobilization drive.
“Our National Chairman, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, commissioned us to mobilize support across the villages, and the results are visible at all levels — from the presidency to the parishes,” Kinobe said.
Mr. Rogers Mulindwa, who also served as Sub-regional Coordinator, praised the team for what he described as a historic victory.
“If I am not mistaken, the outcome of the concluded elections can only be compared to that of 1996. It was not by coincidence, but the result of deliberate efforts by NRM leaders from the secretariat down to the village level,” Mulindwa said.
