NRM Bukedi Leaders Criticise Party Secretariat Over Election Neglect

Members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) District Executive Committee (DEC) from the Bukedi subregion have accused the party Secretariat of neglecting local party structures during election campaigns.

The criticism emerged during a meeting chaired by NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, in Butaleja.

The leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the practice of hiring campaigners from outside the subregion, arguing that such individuals often lack familiarity with the local language and dynamics, making it challenging to connect with voters.

“Even the so-called supervisors deployed during elections don’t appear on the ground. The local members, who are despised, are the ones that end up doing most of the work but remain unsupported,” a DEC member lamented.

In response, Dr. Tanga Odoi acknowledged the concerns and admitted that sidelining local structures has hurt the party’s performance in the region. He promised to address the issue in future elections.

“I think people are right, and it’s good to have this kind of discussion. We won’t do that again because it’s indeed a big problem,” Dr. Tanga Odoi assured the DEC members.

The DEC members also criticised the party’s election methodology, particularly the practice of lining up during primaries. They argued that the system often fails to produce strong candidates capable of competing in general elections.

However, Dr. Tanga Odoi defended the practice, stating that it ensures transparency and eliminates double-dealing.

“This mode of election removes situations where people claim to support you while secretly collecting money from other candidates. With this system, if you support me, you line up behind me,” he explained.

Unfulfilled promises from the president were another major issue raised during the meeting. DEC members highlighted the delayed construction of the Busolwe-Nagongera road, the Nabumali-Butaleja road, and the absence of startup capital for DEC members and youth leaders as key concerns.

“These are critical issues for Bukedi. The president has made repeated promises on the Nabumali-Butaleja road, but we are yet to see any progress,” said Sovereign Hasasha, one of the participants.

The meeting was part of a visit by a team from the NRM Secretariat to the subregion to update local leaders on the ongoing E-registration exercise aimed at preparing the party for upcoming elections.

As the 2026 general elections approach, the Bukedi subregion’s leaders have called for more inclusive approaches to strengthen local structures and fulfill pledges to maintain the party’s dominance in the region.