NRM Diaspora launches global campaign to rally Ugandans for Museveni

_____________________

OPINION

By Boaz Byayesu, Virginia, USA

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Diaspora Campaign Taskforce was officially unveiled at a press conference held at the President’s Office, highlighting the party’s commitment to mobilising Ugandans living abroad to support President Yoweri Museveni and NRM flagbearers ahead of the forthcoming elections.

I, as the Head of Media and Public Relations for the Taskforce, expressed deep appreciation for President Museveni’s “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s developmental gains.” I recognised Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, the NRM Secretary General, for his strong guidance in advancing party unity and cohesion. I thanked Ambassador Robie Kakonge, Uganda’s Ambassador to Washington DC, for his role in uniting Ugandans abroad and his love for the country.

I emphasised the committee’s mandate to promote inclusiveness and unity among all Ugandans in the diaspora. “Our purpose is to inform Ugandans about the committee’s objectives and foster collaboration in support of President Museveni, who remains the custodian of peace, fundamental freedoms, and an unmatched transformation of Uganda,” he stated.

He appealed to all Ugandans abroad to reject divisive politics, encouraging them to rally behind initiatives that promote peace, stability, and national development.

The taskforce has formed a steering committee with teams dedicated to political mobilisation, media relations, women and youth engagement, legal affairs, health and emergency response, manifesto dissemination, and regional coordination across diaspora communities.

To support campaign efforts, the committee is providing over 50 branded vehicles, thousands of yellow T-shirts, and digital tools to facilitate grassroots mobilisation globally.

Isma Luzige, Chairperson of NRM South Africa and Deputy Treasurer of the Taskforce, thanked the patrons for their tremendous work, particularly Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi for his leadership and support, and Major Pollar Awich, Director of External Affairs at the NRM Secretariat, for steering the team. Luzige also commended the Secretary General and the Secretariat for their warm reception and assistance. He called for a landslide victory, urging diaspora Ugandans worldwide to help President Museveni secure over 85 percent of the vote.

He specifically thanked Ambassador Paul Amoru, Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, for supporting Ugandans in South Africa and urged inclusive teamwork beyond those on the committee.

David Asiimwe, Chairperson of the Tanzania NRM Chapter and member of the Taskforce media team, recognized the support of patrons Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi and Major Awich and applauded Ambassador Col. Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s Ambassador to Tanzania, for his great work in uniting Ugandans. He called upon Ugandans in Tanzania and beyond to mobilize and come home to vote.

David Katurebe, Coordinator for the Ankole sub-region based in Boston, USA, stressed the importance of accurate information for the diaspora community. He thanked the taskforce for providing a platform to counter misinformation spread by opposition elements. Katurebe called on all Ugandans in North America to actively participate on social media and on the ground to rally behind President Museveni, citing the President’s accomplishments such as freedom, dual citizenship, issuance of national ID cards and passports at embassies, improved infrastructure, job and wealth creation, and foreign direct investment promotion.

During the press conference, I declared that: “When we come together as a united force, we beat all the odds.”

Luzige commented, “The President is the father of our nation, the father of the fatherless, that’s why we are here to protect the gains.”

Asiimwe stated, “It’s a great moment to reaffirm the role of diaspora in contributing to our country’s growth,” while Katurebe noted, “We are here to shape a positive narrative and debunk the falsehoods spread by opposition elements.”

Since Uganda introduced mechanisms such as dual citizenship and enhanced consular services including issuance of national identity cards and passports abroad, the diaspora has become a vital constituency in national development and political processes.

The NRM has taken deliberate steps to engage the diaspora by establishing the Diaspora Campaign Taskforce to coordinate political mobilisation, information dissemination, and participation in electoral activities, ensuring the diaspora contributes effectively to national peace, unity, and prosperity.

The taskforce is composed of experienced diaspora leaders, including Patrons Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi and Major Awich. SPA Philip Kakuru from South Africa chairs the steering committee, with Engineer Adam Kasambula as General Coordinator, Allan Olara as Deputy General Coordinator, and Charity Baira as Organising Secretary. Deputy Organising Secretaries include Hajjat Kibirige Hamida and Godius. Regional coordinators represent key Ugandan sub-regions with Henreita and Joyce Bazaraki for Busoga, Suzan Gakwavu and Kironde Idris for Bunyoro and Buganda, respectively, and Jackson and Brian Kwesiga for Rukiga.

I also mentioned the four ideological principles which are so crucial for our shared prosperity and progress as a nation. I stated that Unity is the primary principle of the NRM for patriotism. Patriotism is cardinal for the cause of Uganda's freedom. The cause of freedom for all of us is greater than any individualistic interest or group interests that pull us apart.

I further remarked that our country is still confronted by the two dangerous enemies whom we must confront courageously and defeat decisively. These are the myopic agents of the interests of the imperialists versus our collective patriotic interests. The enemy number two are the advocates of the politics of chaos, confusion, deception, denial, defiance and destruction versus the ideology of strategic unity and strategic security for the pursuit of shared happiness, shared prosperity and collective efforts for Uganda's socio-economic transformation leading to the advanced socio-political freedoms.

I warned that Petty politics and trivial differences have no place in Uganda, and definitely no space in the NRM ideology.

In conclusion, the taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to confronting divisive politics and called on all Ugandans abroad to unite behind leadership that promotes peace, patriotism, and national unity.

I concluded with this note: Selfishness is the class of the myopic in the name of the opposition, politics of divide is their philosophical dogma, and the archaic politics of hate and divide defines their character. On the contrary, a collective approach, shared responsibility, shared resources, and shared prosperity define the NRM.

The writer is a Ugandan based in Virginia, USA and heads the NRM Media and Public Relations for the Diaspora Campaign Taskforce