Speaker Among starts NRM mobilization drive in Busoga

__________________

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has kicked off her political mobilisation as the newly elected Second National Vice Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Busoga sub-region.

Among’s choice of Busoga as the launchpad for her mobilisation is politically significant. By starting her outreach in the sub-region, Among appeared keen on consolidating NRM’s influence there while also cementing her own standing in the region.

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has kicked off her political mobilisation for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag-bearer, President Yoweri Museveni in Busoga sub-region. (Courtesy photo)

Addressing hundreds of residents gathered at Namayingo Secondary School in Bukhooli South on Friday in Namayingo District, Among expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support that secured her a seat on the ruling party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) last month.

“I have come here to say thank you for voting for me as Second National Vice Chairperson. The best district I had in Busoga,” she told the cheering crowd. “For me, I’m not looking for any other vote now. I am asking you to vote for the President,” she added, while announcing a financial boost to various SACCO groups.

• She pledged sh25 million to the Local Government chairpersons’ SACCO
  
  
•  Another sh25m to the NRM chairpersons’ SACCO
  
  
•  Sh10m to the Boda Boda, ghetto youth, women, and youth SACCOs
  
  
• Among also fulfilled a sh20m pledge to the Catholic Church 
  
  
• Sh30m each to Local Council chairpersons and NRM chairpersons SACCOs
  
  
• Sh20m each to ghetto youth, Boda Boda riders, women, and taxi drivers’ SACCOs
  
  

In her address, Among urged residents to work with the NRM in advancing development, stressing that only unity and quality leadership could transform their communities.

“Let’s work together and see how we can develop this area. And you can only develop this area when you send us good leaders who love the people. So also support the flag bearers,” she said.

NUP Protest vote

She dismissed calls for “protest votes,” a narrative that has been gaining ground within the National Unity Platform (NUP) since the election season started, especially in Busoga, where the opposition registered significant support in 2021.

Among argued that such a vote would only undermine the peace and security the country has enjoyed under the NRM.

“Why are we protesting? We have peace in the country. We have security. Even if the road is not finished, at least there is a road. Your children can study now. We have hospitals, though not enough, but we are going to add more. We are upgrading the hospital here to a district hospital. Kindly support President Museveni,” she added.

Strengthening Party Structures

Among placed strong emphasis on the role of grassroots party leaders in delivering votes. She reminded NRM chairpersons at village, parish, and sub-county levels that they are the backbone of the mobilisation drive.

“In every village, you have 30 people behind you as NRM. Now, as you go back, tell each of those 30 to bring 10 more. At the end of the day, you will have a whole village supporting President Museveni,” she said.

Local Concerns

However, local leaders also used the platform to push for solutions to long-standing challenges. The area MP for Bukooli South, Abdul Adidwa, reminded Among, saying, “Remember, when you were presiding in Parliament, I raised the issue of poor infrastructure and you directed, but nothing has been done. If we can also have a factory or an industrial park in our area, our youth will be able to get jobs,” he said.

Bugiri District

From Namayingo, Among proceeded to Bugiri District, where she was received by Solomon Silwany, MP for Bukooli Central and a Commissioner of Parliament at his home.

Speaking to residents, she clarified that she was not on official duty as Speaker, but on a party assignment as an NRM CEC member. “Today I’m not here as Speaker. I am here as a CEC member that you voted for. My duty is to check on my people. And this is my first visit out. I want to thank you, people of Bugiri, and I know you’re going to vote for President again and all the flag bearers,” she said.