Meeting of NRM Chairpersons with President Museveni: Strengthening Leadership and Community Engagement

A Welcoming Gathering at State House

In a notable event at State House Entebbe, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni convened with the Chairpersons of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) representing various districts, cities, municipalities, and divisions. The discussion focused not only on the recent electoral successes but also aimed to reinforce communication and cooperation among party leaders.

Congratulatory Messages and Observations

During the meeting, President Museveni extended his heartfelt congratulations to the leaders on their victories in the recent elections. He observed a marked increase in national unity during these electoral cycles, drawing parallels to the solidarity observed in the 1996 elections when the populace rallied behind the NRM. According to the President, this cohesion can be attributed to effective “okukyenura” leadership, which emphasizes responsiveness to the needs of the citizens.

Historical Context and Socioeconomic Strategies

Reflecting on the changes over the past decades, Museveni discussed the initial focus on restoring security and ensuring stability in essential commodities like sugar during the early years of NRM governance. He noted the emergence of household poverty as a pressing challenge following the 1996 elections, which led to the establishment of revolving funds at the sub-county level in 1997 aimed at promoting wealth creation. Subsequently, programs like the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) were introduced to increase agricultural productivity, although many citizens still remained outside the monetary economy.

This concern led to the introduction of the Parish Development Model (PDM), which aims to deliver funds directly to beneficiaries, allowing local parish committees to oversee allocation transparently. Museveni emphasized the positive performance of the PDM in various districts, indicating plans to channel additional funding to enhance its reach and effectiveness.

Education and Oversight Issues

Addressing the education sector, Museveni highlighted the NRM’s foresight in introducing free education to broaden access. However, he expressed dissatisfaction over certain teachers who he claimed have sabotaged these efforts, alongside a lack of adequate oversight by local leaders. He pointed out various challenges, including corruption in District Service Commissions, land grabbing issues, and theft of medicines from governmental healthcare facilities, urging NRM members to ensure heightened supervision and accountability in these areas.

Infrastructure Concerns and Corrective Measures

The state of roads and maintenance was also a point of concern for the President. Museveni criticized the inadequate quality of road works, linking this to ineffective budgeting priorities, particularly in light of newly created districts and municipalities that he believes divert resources from essential services benefitting citizens directly.

Jobs and Economic Growth: The Focus on Agriculture

In terms of creating job opportunities, President Museveni positioned agriculture as a principal source of employment, while also recognizing the potential within the manufacturing and service sectors for higher-value jobs. He pledged to launch more detailed literature aimed at addressing community needs and furthering socio-economic transformation in Uganda.

Moreover, he underscored the importance of bolstering the private sector through affordable financing, particularly via the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), to support enterprise growth. After overcoming production challenges, the focus will shift to local and regional market expansion, stating that boosting household incomes would catalyze demand for essential commodities like milk, cement, and steel.

Voices from the NRM Leadership

During the meeting, NRM Deputy Secretary General, Hon. Rose Namayanja, praised President Museveni for what she described as a “landslide” victory, affirming the NRM’s commitment to effective governance. Meanwhile, Mr. Christopher Ochen, NRM Chairperson for Gulu District, acknowledged the empowerment of party structures, which significantly contributed to the recent electoral success. He also suggested that district chairpersons be included in District Executive Committees to enhance supervision of government programs.

Furthermore, Mr. JB Wamala Ssalongo, NRM Chairperson for Mukono Municipality, highlighted the importance of including municipality and city chairpersons in the National Executive Committee to facilitate inclusive participation in party decisions.

This gathering at State House underscores the NRM’s continued dedication to inclusive leadership and the implementation of policies that address the community’s evolving needs while fostering national unity.