The Special Assistant to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Press and Mobilisation, Faruk Kirunda had said the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is entering a new phase of growth and citizen engagement following the party’s ongoing internal elections.
He highlighted that the elections, which kicked off at village and cell levels and are progressing to higher structures are running smoothly, with several positions already filled, while the Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections are still underway at Kololo Independence Grounds.
President Museveni was re-elected as National Chairman, and other key positions, including league leaders for youth, women, entrepreneurs, and workers, have been chosen, providing fresh energy and direction for the party.
Kirunda praised the smooth conduct of the elections and stressed that the focus now shifts from internal competition to active engagement and service to citizens.
Through his weekly column in the New Vision today, Kirunda noted that while NRM has consistently dominated national elections, the performance of its leagues is crucial for maintaining mass support and ensuring government programmes reach all Ugandans.
“The new leaders are tasked with keeping party structures active and responsive. This is about more than politics; it’s about making sure every Ugandan benefits from government programmes,” Kirunda said.
He explained the important role of the party leagues in mobilising citizens and supporting national development initiatives. The youth league will mentor young people, helping them take part in wealth creation and government development programs like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The women’s league continues to empower women and girls, while the entrepreneurs’ league guides citizens in growing seed capital into sustainable businesses. The workers’ league advocates for fair work conditions and policies that reward citizens’ contributions to the economy.
Kirunda also stressed that active leagues are essential for linking government programmes to the people. “Strong participation by the party’s structures ensures citizens are informed, involved, and empowered,” he said, adding that the party must maintain momentum between elections, not just during campaigns.
The elections so far have been professionally managed by the NRM Secretariat and Electoral Commission, with the Elections Tribunal efficiently handling arising disputes. Kirunda emphasised that internal competition should strengthen the party rather than divide it, ensuring that all leaders align with Museveni’s vision of a modern, stable, and prosperous Uganda.
He also urged that the party, with renewed leadership and active engagement from its leagues, is well-positioned not only to maintain political dominance but also to deepen its connection with citizens and accelerate Uganda’s development agenda.
