Bugisu NRM-leaning MPs-elect urged on co-ordination, empowering communities

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Newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and district leaders from Bugisu and eastern Uganda have been urged to lead the promotion of wealth creation, modern farming and entrepreneurship as a foundation for sustainable development in the region.

The call was made during a post-election strategy meeting of ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party leaders, held at the residential home of veteran politician and NRM Director of Communications, Emmanuel Dombo, in Butaleja District. The meeting was presided over by NRM director mobilisation Rosemary Seninde.

The meeting brought together incumbent MPs, MPs-elect and LC5 chairpersons-elect, district party leaders, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), DISOs, RISOs and members of the NRM youth brigade, led by Brig. Gen. Kefa Nangeso and the newly elected army MP Col. Victor Nekesa.

Addressing the gathering, Dombo challenged political leaders to move beyond election campaigns and focus on empowering communities economically, especially through commercial agriculture, innovation, and job creation.

Beyond politics

“As leaders, we must help our people shift from being job seekers to job creators. Modern farming, innovation, and value addition are the engines of wealth creation in this region,” Dombo said.

Dr Tanga Odoi, the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson and Dr. Rosemary Seninde, NRM Director Mobilization following events at the Bugisu post NRM victory party. (Photo By Javier Silas Omagor)

He encouraged MPs to establish model farms and support farmers with skills, market access, and coordination to improve household incomes.

Dombo credited teamwork and discipline for the NRM’s strong performance in Bugisu, including in areas where the party had previously struggled.

“We worked together, ensured resources reached the people, and handled challenges as they arose. That is why we delivered even in difficult areas,” he said.

He urged leaders to make co-ordination and networking part of their daily work, noting that limited parliamentary resources make collaboration essential.

“The resources in Parliament are not enough. Cooperation, transparency, and coordination are what will help you serve better,” Dombo added.

End infighting

While emphasising economic transformation, Dombo warned that internal divisions continue to weaken the party’s effectiveness.

“The biggest problem in the NRM is that we fight among ourselves. During the byelections, NRM has been fighting NRM. This must stop,” he said.

He appealed to leaders to put aside personal rivalries and focus on solving community problems.

“Let us focus on development, not egos and differences,” he said.

Dombo also urged winners and losers in the elections to reconcile and work together.

“The elections are over. It is time to stop insults and bitterness and concentrate on serving the people,” he emphasised.

Return to productivity

Representing the Bugwere sub-region, Dr Patrick Wakida called on leaders to mobilise communities to return to productive economic activities.

“People should now forget about election tensions and focus on engaging in gainful work to grow their incomes,” Wakida said.

A former opposition strategist and leading researcher, Wakida urged communities to forgive political disputes and unite against poverty.

“As a region, we must forgive, forget, and work together to free our people from perpetual poverty,” he noted.

Odoi warns MPs

NRM electoral commission chairperson Tanga Odoi cautioned MPs against seeking cheap popularity or undermining party leadership.

“Do not go to Parliament to look for applause by criticising the party in public. Support the President’s socio-economic agenda,” Odoi said.

He encouraged leaders to promote government wealth-creation programmes, including the four-acre model.

“Focus on improving household incomes. Put party and national interests above personal interests,” he added.

Lead by example

Seninde attributed the NRM’s electoral success to discipline and strategy, urging leaders to translate victory into tangible development.

“We succeeded because we followed our strategy and met our targets. Now we must deliver for our people,” she said.

She advised MPs to establish demonstration farms at their homes and use them to teach communities modern farming practices.

“Lead by example. Let your achievements speak for you,” Seninde said.

She also warned against abuse of office.

“Do not come to the office to eat your job. Serve with integrity. We do not need dishonest and selfish leaders in the NRM,” she added.

Taskforce praised

Namisindwa LC5 chairperson-elect Emma Bwayo and Woman MP Peace Khalayi praised Dombo and Simon Mulongo for steering a successful regional campaign.

“Through their strong mobilisation, some of us newcomers found it easier to present ourselves to voters and win,” Khalayi said.

Way forward

Leaders agreed that the meeting was key in aligning district priorities with national development plans, resolving internal misunderstandings, and strengthening party cohesion, especially among young leaders.

They committed themselves to championing wealth creation, unity, and accountability, saying Bugisu’s future lies in productive agriculture, entrepreneurship, and collective leadership.

As the region enters a new political term, leaders pledged to turn electoral success into lasting economic transformation for their communities.