Busoga NRM leaders strategise for dominant LC election showing
“We, the regional RDCs, are already engaging people right from the registration process. The idea is to bring on board more votes; for example, ensure that each mobiliser brings 10 or more voters on our side,” Gulume emphasised.
Kisaka (second right) with Busoga NRM legislators. This was during the sub-regional ruling party meeting held at Fort Lugard Hotel in Iganga town on Sunday. (Credit: George Bita)
BUSOGA - As the country prepares for the Local Council (LC) and Women Council elections, National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders from Busoga have met to devise strategies aimed at securing victory at the grassroots.
Executives from parish to district level across Busoga met on Sunday (July 19) at Fort Lugard Hotel in Iganga town to plan how to deliver victory for the party.
“President Yoweri Museveni in his message to NRM members emphasises that the 72,000 villages across the country are administrative units of the NRM socio-economic transformation. Hence, it is crucial that the LC leaders at the village and parish level belong to the ruling party,” NRM Secretariat's sub-regional coordinator Dorothy Kisaka noted during the meeting.
"The President calls upon all of you to turn up in big numbers. It is the national chairman’s directive that we elect our LC1, LC2 and women council leaders, especially the NRM flag-bearers,” Kisaka added.
Bunya South MP Saleh Mpaata questioned how security would be managed following the withdrawal of police posts from villages to subcounty headquarters in his constituency.
“As I speak now, all police posts in the 220 villages comprising Bunya South plus six islands of Mayuge district have been withdrawn. What will happen if people indulge in poll violence?” Mpaata wondered.
Responding to the concern, the deputy regional internal security officer for Busoga East, Ahmed Hasunira, said the security situation remained under control after identifying potential hotspots.
“We are still sharing with the local people on the ground to ascertain the current needs. Otherwise, the would-be insecure areas are already known,” Hasunira assured.
He said the UPDF, Police and internal security agencies are working closely with local communities to prevent possible unrest during the LC elections scheduled for July and August.
“We, the regional RDCs, are already engaging people right from the registration process. The idea is to bring on board more votes; for example, ensure that each mobiliser brings 10 or more voters on our side,” Gulume emphasised.
Prossy Nampima, a parish executive from Mayuge, expressed concern about the amount of money allegedly being used by opposition parties to influence voters.
“In my area, Justice Forum (JEEMA) and National Unity Platform (NUP) party members are really using a lot of cash. I am worried if we shall cope as many of our people go where there is money,” Nampima alleged.
Iganga NRM district chairperson Abubaker Walubi urged party officials to ensure election materials are delivered to their intended destinations on time.
“The ruling party is capable of getting the majority seats if we organise ourselves and move ahead of others. Together we can deliver the cherished victory,” Walubi assured.