First Lady participates in NRM Ntungamo structure elections

NTUNGAMO - The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni, earlier today, May 6th, joined the supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Ruguma Cell- Karegyeya, Kikoni Parish, Ntungamo Sub-County, for elections for village-level NRM structures.

Mrs. Museveni, who serves as the NRM Party Chairperson for Ntungamo District, arrived at Irenga Trading Centre at 10:00 a.m. and joined the members for the exercise, which started with verifying the NRM party register.

During the process, it was discovered that a total of 30 of the 286 names in the party register belonged to individuals who had died or relocated from the area.

The baraza then proceeded with nominations and the reading of names for candidates contesting various positions within the NRM village structure. 

In her remarks, the First Lady commended NRM supporters for their continued engagement and peaceful participation in their party’s electoral processes. (PPU Photos)

These included five key positions in the NRM mainstream leadership and 30 slots representing special interest groups—youth, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, and the elderly.

In her remarks, the First Lady commended NRM supporters for their continued engagement and peaceful participation in their party’s electoral processes. 

She stated that building a strong nation requires the same unity and commitment shown in party structures. 

“Just like building a house, nation-building demands collective effort. I urge our newly elected leaders to serve all citizens equally, regardless of political affiliation,” she said.

She praised the electorate for their calmness, civility and transparency in choosing the leaders and congratulated all who successfully won the local council one elections for Ruguma cell.

This electoral exercise is part of a nationwide initiative occurring at 72,000 NRM polling stations, aimed at strengthening grassroots democracy and the NRM party.

Milton Besigye, the NRM Registrar for Kikoni Parish, presided over the baraza meeting, with assistance from Alex Twesigye, the Registrar for Ruguma Cell.

Several candidates from special interest groups ran unopposed for key NRM positions.

In the election for NRM LC1 chairperson flag bearer, incumbent Mr. Kasasi Herbert won with 110 votes, while Mr. Atusasiire Hamada received 21 votes. Both candidates' supporters accepted the peaceful election results.

Elected leaders for the Ruguma Cell NRM Mainstream (Village NRM Executive Committee) include: Kobutetsi Catherine Tibimpama – Chairperson (unopposed), Byamukama Denis – Vice Chairperson, Tugumisirize Constance – General Secretary, Kiconco Rosette – Publicity Secretary, and Babanooha Daniel – Finance Secretary.

Atukwatsibwe Precious is the Youth League Chairperson, and Orikiriza Annah was elected Vice Chairperson. The post of General Secretary was taken by Blare Akankwasa as Stecious Kusasira was voted as Secretary for Publicity and Allen Kihembo as Secretary for Finance.

The Women’s league chairperson elected was Janepher Kanyesigye, and Catherine Kyampeire was elected the Vice Chairperson. The General Secretary is Treasure Akampurira, while Plaxedah Hamanya was elected Secretary for Publicity and Daphine Ainembababazi was chosen as Secretary for Finance.

Ninshaba Ruth was elected to chair the People with Disabilities league, as Justine Kyabagye was chosen as Vice Chairperson, Alex Twijukye was voted as General Secretary, Rodgers Ainebyoona was given the office of Publicity Secretary, and Atukwatse Emmanuel was appointed Secretary for Finance.

Ndyanabo Sulaiman was elected as the Elderly League’s Chairperson, deputised by Specoza Tibihika. Emmanuel Makuba was elected the General Secretary, Harriet Kyahika the Secretary for Publicity and Moses Tugume as Secretary for Finance.

Francis Kushemererwa was elected unopposed as the Veterans League Chairperson. 
Ntungamo District NRM Registrar Maria Mirembe, who was also in attendance, urged party members to participate in future voter register updates to avoid exclusion from polling stations and party processes.

She offered solace to the 15 people whose names were missing from the Yellow Book, encouraging them to participate in the next voter updates before the parliamentary elections.

This electoral exercise is part of a nationwide initiative occurring at 72,000 NRM polling stations, aimed at strengthening grassroots democracy and the NRM party.