The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has stepped up its 2026 campaign strategy in Busia District, holding a high-powered mobilization meeting that drew thousands of grassroots leaders and reignited debates on internal party unity.
The gathering at Budecho Primary School playgrounds, convened by NRM National Treasurer Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo, attracted more than 4,000 leaders, including village chairpersons, flag bearers, and mobilizers from all 568 villages of Busia.
The early-morning event, which started with live performances from national artists, quickly shifted to serious political talk as leaders dissected the party's declining presidential vote share in Busia.
Ambassador Oundo said the meeting was not only about unveiling the party's presidential candidate but also rallying support for all NRM flag bearers.
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"As we seek survival as individuals within the NRM, we must understand that the survival of the system is much more important," she stressed, urging members to prioritize unity over personal ambition.
The discussions exposed tensions in the district, with several leaders accusing local party officials of weakening NRM structures.
"I don't have any NUP village structures in my constituency, so how come they score votes?" asked John Mulimba, State Minister for Foreign Affairs.
"NRM has funding for mobilization; recently all chairpersons were given motorcycles. What does NUP have?"
Busia remains a thorn in the ruling party's side after the 2021 elections, when President Museveni trailed opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi despite the NRM winning more MP seats in the district.
Internal fractures also took center stage, particularly the issue of losing NRM aspirants resurfacing as independents.
The absence of all four MPs who lost in the primaries further fueled suspicion about their political plans.
"This is going to affect us greatly in the general elections and it must be addressed," warned Stephen Wasike, the District NRM Chairperson.
Ambassador Oundo cautioned leaders against quietly supporting independents, saying such actions undermine the party's survival.
"You are doing a disservice to the party. We cannot build a system or government where you only have a president but no supporting structures," she said.
Despite the wrangles, Oundo expressed optimism that NRM's renewed grassroots strategy--flagging off more than 3,000 village leaders each tasked with delivering at least five votes--would reverse the district's presidential losses.
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Whether these mobilization efforts can deliver Busia back to NRM in 2026 remains uncertain, but the party is betting heavily on unity and early preparation to restore its dominance.
