NRM and Kenya’s UDA meet to strengthen political collaboration and regional integration

Friday 25th October 2024

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party secretariat, led by Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, on Thursday hosted a delegation from Kenya's ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), led by their Secretary General, Hon. Hassan Omar Hassan, at the party head offices in Nakasero, Kampala. The discussions focused on fostering deeper political collaboration and advancing regional integration within the East African Community (EAC).

In his remarks, Todwong stressed the importance of sustained leadership in achieving long-term social transformation.

"For meaningful change, leadership must be durable. As the NRM, we believe in the stability of long-term leadership, as it takes time to address the people's needs," he remarked.

Todwong highlighted that the party’s close relationship with the public is vital to its governance, with dedicated staff ensuring the party stays attuned to the evolving demands of Ugandan society.

He further emphasised the critical role of political parties in East African integration, noting that parties must take a proactive role in fostering regional unity.

"Political parties should get involved in the integration of the East African Community; we are the whips of the governments," Todwong emphasised.

The Deputy Secretary General Rt. Hon. Namayanja Rose Nsereko echoed these sentiments, highlighting the inseparable bond between Uganda and Kenya.

“Kenya was our refuge during Uganda's turbulent years. Our historical bond must guide us as we push forward the East African integration agenda,” she said.

Namayanja reiterated the party's commitment to its core principles of Pan-Africanism, democracy, socio-economic transformation, and patriotism, which continue to shape its policies and programmes.

UDA’s Secretary General, Hon. Hassan Omar Hassan, praised NRM’s leadership and resilience, calling the meeting a valuable learning opportunity for his party. “We aim to build partnerships with time-tested parties like the NRM. Our goal at UDA is to institutionalise our party to ensure its longevity, much like the NRM has done in Uganda,” Hassan said.

He expressed UDA’s interest in learning from the organisational structures of NRM, ANC (South Africa), and CCM (Tanzania) as part of their efforts to strengthen UDA’s role in Kenyan politics.

“We see the NRM as a model of political stability and look forward to learning more about how it has maintained its organising power,” he added.

The Kenyan delegation comprised the Kenya High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Amb. Joash Maange, Deputy Executive Director UDA; Brian Mbugu, Manager Legal Affairs & Compliance, UDA; Ms. Annet Kipngetich, EALA MPs, Hon. Falhada Iman, Hon. Zipporah Kering, and Hon. David Ole Sankok.

The meeting was also attended by the Director for Youth and Institutions, Maj. (Rtd) Okwir Rwabwoni; the Director of Finance and Administration, Hajat Madina Naham Ojale; the Director of Information and Publicity, Hon. Emmanuel Lumala Dombo; and the EALA MP, Hon. Akol Rose Okullu.