The NRM vice Chairperson for Buganda region, Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda has dismissed claims that the ruling party does not have support among the people of the central area. He urged that the poor performance by some of its candidates in the last elections was a result of internal differences among party members.
“What made us perform poorly in the last elections was divisions within our party. Where those who lost in the primaries didn't support the party flag bearers,” Hon.Kiwanda said, yet “what wins an election is a strong candidate fully backed by all party members,” He added.
Kiwanda together with Deputy Secretary General, Rt.Hon. Namayanja Rose Nsereko and the National Treasurer, Amb. Barbrah Nekesa Oudo were interacting with NRM grass root leaders from Busiro East at KR Recreation Centre, Mumyuka Sub-county in Wakiso district.
The Vice chairman asked the leaders to prioritize the interests of the NRM and as well reconcile with fellow members for the future well-being of the ruling party.
“Going forward, we must have consensus for flag bearers to avoid divisions within the party. Let us love ourselves first then other people will love us as NRM. Let the love for our party come first when serving it regardless of the positions we hold,” Hon.Kiwanda stated.
The Deputy Secretary General, Rt. Hon Namayanja said “We came to hear what is on the ground and know the challenges facing our people down here. This is the first time since we started party politics that we are having this kind of meeting with our grass root leaders at constituency levels.”
“Throughout our meetings, we focus on the progress of the NRM manifesto implementation and service delivery. That is the reason we are organizing these mobilisation meetings,” Namayanja added.
Rt.Hon.Namayanja also revealed that the Secretariat aims at working with the government to ensure that locals advance from subsistence production to a money economy by encouraging them to embrace flagship initiatives like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga.
The NRM National Treasurer, Hon. Amb Barbrah Nekesa said that the tours were commissioned by the National Chairman and President Museveni to come on the ground and establish issues affecting the ordinary people.
“Our Chairman cares about your well-being as leaders in the party. It is the reason he directed us to come and meet with you,” Nekesa said.
She asked the leaders to at all times observe the NRM principles of democracy, pan-Africanism, patriotism and socio-economic transformation.
On job creation, Amb. Nekesa said that the country is 85% populated by youth who require jobs to survive, hence asking the leaders to join the struggle in ensuring that sectors like ICT, manufacturing and industrialization are fully supported.
Kyandondo East- Kasangati
The director of Finance and Administration, Hajat Medina Naham together with Mr Rogers Mulindwa (senior manager for communication) traversed Kyadondo East where they met NRM leaders at Silver Bridge Gardens in Kasangati Town Council.
Hajat Medina called for unity and togetherness among party members in a quest to reign supreme in the next polls. “Our differences were exploited by our opponents in the last elections. This should not happen again,” she said.
Mr Rogers Mulindwa told structural leaders to assist in fighting land grabbing and illegal eviction of ordinary people, saying that the practice is unpopular and costs the ruling party support.
“You are the people of the ground. Please report any incidents of some rich people who go around mistreating locals and the government will act accordingly,” Mr Mulindwa said.