The Last Mile of Power: NRM Intensifies Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of LC I Elections in Greater Masaka

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that the National Resistance Movement Secretariat has increased mobilisation in the Greater Masaka sub-region ahead of forthcoming Local Council I elections. The meeting, held at Brovad Hotel in Masaka City, brought together party officials, government representatives, aspiring candidates and grassroots organisers as the ruling party seeks to reinforce village-level structures.

According to the report, those present included NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja, Greater Masaka NRM Coordinator Mulindwa Birimumaaso, Masaka City RCC Ahmed Washaki, Ssembabule RDC Faizo Sseruwagi, Rakai RDC Sarah Kiyimba, and several NRM flag bearers. Masaka City NRM Chairperson Rogers Bulegeya said village leadership is central to mobilisation and community development, urging candidates to run peaceful campaigns and focus on service.

Namayanja encouraged unity, discipline and continued engagement with communities, while citing varying levels of NRM strength across districts in the sub-region, including Masaka City, Bukomansimbi, Lwengo, Kyotera, Rakai, Kalungu and Kalangala. Birimumaaso also called for tighter coordination in villages, and Kiyimba described LC I leadership as an important channel between residents and government programmes.

The report frames the LC I contests as significant because village councils are Uganda’s lowest tier of local governance and often handle community mobilisation, local dispute resolution and links to public services. Watchdog Uganda says the elections are expected to draw NRM, opposition and independent candidates, making village-level organisation a key focus for political parties as campaigns build momentum.