Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo Urges Bukedi Leaders to Rise Above Politics for Community Development
Speaking on Monday during a meeting held at City Resort Hotel in Nampologoma, Ambassador Nekesa addressed a gathering of MPs, LCV chairpersons, District Executive Committee leaders, and security officials, including RDCs, DISOs, and DPCs from across Bukedi.
Butaleja, Uganda – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer, Hon. Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo, has called on newly elected Members of Parliament and district leaders from the Bukedi sub-region to set aside political rivalries and focus on addressing poverty and community development.
Speaking on Monday during a meeting held at City Resort Hotel in Nampologoma, Ambassador Nekesa addressed a gathering of MPs, LCV chairpersons, District Executive Committee leaders, and security officials, including RDCs, DISOs, and DPCs from across Bukedi.
Acknowledging that the recent elections were highly competitive and, at times, marred by conflict, Ambassador Nekesa emphasized the need for reconciliation among political actors. She urged leaders to immediately engage with their constituents to understand local challenges and gather feedback that will guide service delivery once they are sworn in in May.
“Leadership is about service to the people. It is important to forget the recent political contests and focus on development. Every community has needs, and it is your duty to respond to them,” she said.
The NRM Director for Communication, Hon. Emmanuel Dombo Lumala, who also attended the meeting, underscored the importance of ensuring that Parish Development Model (PDM) funds reach beneficiaries without illegal deductions. Dombo highlighted road infrastructure as a key area of concern and condemned the ongoing charging of fees in government-aided schools. He reminded leaders that politics involves both wins and losses and encouraged those who did not succeed in elections to remain committed to public service.
“I urge you, my brothers and sisters, to forget the recent elections and focus on development. All of you had supporters, even those who did not carry the party flag. Failure in elections is not the end of the world,” he said.
During the meeting, Gogonyo County MP-elect Derrick Orone shared that he and Dr. Wakida had submitted a memorandum to President Yoweri Museveni, highlighting key proposals to support local leadership. These included providing motorcycles for LCIII chairpersons, vehicles for LCV chairpersons, facilitation for district leaders during bereavement ceremonies, and appointment of qualified unemployed NRM cadres.
Several leaders also condemned the violence that took place during the elections, including Busia District Chairperson John Charles Namayindi; Bunyole West MP-elect James Waluswaka; Butaleja Woman MP-elect Sarah Annet Logose; and NRM mobilisers from Butaleja, Kibuku, and Pallisa districts.
Ambassador Nekesa further raised concerns about the deployment of soldiers by individual candidates during the elections. She pledged to advocate for measures that prevent military involvement in political activities ahead of the 2031 elections, emphasizing the importance of free, fair, and peaceful electoral processes.
The meeting concluded with a call for unity, collaboration, and service to communities, reinforcing the NRM’s commitment to grassroots development across the Bukedi sub-region.
