For close to a week now, officials of the National Resistance Movement secretariat have been camped in Kasese District on a fact-finding mission to meet, discuss, and interact with the party’s grass root structures and mobilizers ahead of the upcoming Busongora South by-election to be held on the 18th of next month.
The team led by director for communication, Hon. Emmanuel Dombo Lumala, convened several meetings, beginning with the NRM district executive committee (DEC). The Kasese district NRM Chairman and member of the Central Executive Committee, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, in a meeting organized at the party offices with fellow leaders, unanimously endorsed Mr. Thembo Gideon Mujungu, the party flag bearer.
Dr Kiyonga said; "It is unfortunate that the Court of Appeal nullified the victory of our candidate, yet it was the electoral commission’s fault. Nevertheless, we have agreed to back him once again, and we shall win. "
He appealed to residents of Busongora to reject the lies of the opposition and instead choose leaders with the capacity to lobby the government to fulfill manifesto pledges.
The State Minister for ICT in charge of National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Kabyanga, who hails from the region, called for peace and the willingness of locals to cooperate with the government if they are to improve their lives.
In an engagement with NRM structures and elected leaders of the 10 subcouties of Busongora South, Hon. Dombo urged them to intensify monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective service delivery.
"Service delivery to the ordinary people within your communities has trickle-down effects on the performance of the party (NRM) you subscribe to."
Local leaders requested the ruling party secretariat to fast-track President Museveni’s promises to the people of the Rwenzori sub region that are yet to be fulfilled.
Some of the pledges put to Mr. Dombo’s attention that require urgent attention by the fountain of honor include; issuance of land titles, especially to unprivileged communities facing land grabbing and evictions, compensation of families that have lost loved ones; and properties for stray wild animals from Rwenzori and Queen Elizabeth national parks.
Other key promises demanded from the government are the establishment of schools and health centres in hard-to-reach subcounties of the constituency.
The party spokesperson assured the leaders and residents of the government’s commitment to implement all assurances but called for patience and calmness.
"We are fully aware of the pending concerns. The government clearly knows your issues and, at an opportune time, they will come to pass," Dombo said, adding, "I have heard your plea. My role is to report to the party Secretary General, Rt.Hon. Richard Todwong, who will present the issues to the cabinet for consideration."
For the forthcoming poll in Busongora, Dombo asked leaders on the ground to provide voters with guidance on the right choices if they are to transform their areas. He drummed up support for Mr. Mujungu, whom he said is a better candidate compared to the opposition, which has nothing to offer other than lies and propaganda.
The meetings were also graced by the Member of Parliament for Kasese municipality, Hon. Ferigo Kambale, and his colleague, Hon. Sowedi Kitanywa, of Busongora north.