Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo Urges Bukedi to Prioritize Unity and Economic Empowerment Following National Resistance Movement Poll Victory

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer, Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo, has called for sustained unity among leaders and residents of the Bukedi sub-region, emphasizing that cohesion remains the foundation for the area’s long-term growth and socio-economic transformation.

Bukedi comprises the districts of Busia, Butaleja, Tororo, Kibuku, Pallisa, Budaka and Butebo.

Hon. Amb. Nekesa, who served as the NRM Sub-Regional Coordinator during the recently concluded general elections, made the remarks while meeting a team of leaders who spearheaded the parish-based grassroots mobilization strategy. The meeting was held at the NRM headquarters on Plot 10, Kyadondo Road in Kampala.

Consolidating Electoral Gains

During the engagement, Nekesa commended the mobilization teams for delivering what she described as an overwhelming victory for the party, particularly in the presidential race, where the sub-region reportedly posted an average performance of over 70 percent — a marked improvement from the party’s results in the 2021 elections.

“I commend you for delivering an overwhelming victory to our presidential candidate and our parliamentary candidates across the Bukedi sub-region. But now that elections are done, we need to remain united and work for the welfare of our local people. Without unity, progress will be slow,” Nekesa said.

She urged senior leaders, elected officials, cultural leaders and community influencers to rally behind a shared development agenda, warning against divisions that could undermine the gains made.

Although Bukedi is socially diverse, with different districts subscribing to separate cultural institutions and languages, Nekesa stressed that such differences should not be a source of fragmentation.

“We have good infrastructure connecting our people and universal education programs that have created a common language to improve communication and facilitate socio-economic transformation,” she noted.

Shift to Economic Mobilization

With the political season concluded, Nekesa said the focus must now shift to economic empowerment and household income generation.

“You have done so well politically, but now the time has come to shift focus towards economic mobilization. Our people need guidance on how to create household wealth by embracing government programs like the Parish Development Model, Emyooga and the Four-Acre Model,” she said.

She cautioned residents against land fragmentation and the increasing sale of land for short-term financial relief, warning that such practices threaten long-term sustainability.https://youtube.com/shorts/iy-cwWm6ViM?si=NRAAq1Zirt0BeSY9

“Unlike some other regions where households own vast hectares of land, locals in Bukedi must embrace intensive production due to limited land. The small land we have left must be protected and productively utilized. Our youth must be guided away from selling land for short-term gains. Once land is gone, it is gone. We must prevent a future where people lose both their land and their livelihoods,” Nekesa emphasized.https://x.com/i/status/2027035291572158723

Party Officials Weigh In

The NRM Director of Mobilization, Dr. Rosemary Seninde, described the parish-based mobilization strategy as a major success that significantly boosted the party’s performance.

“After elections, our task shifts to nation-building and wealth creation. The victory we celebrate was built on your sleepless nights, loyalty, resilience and hard work. You represented the party secretariat well, and we are proud of your commitment and passion,” Seninde said.

She praised the strategy for delivering what she termed unprecedented results in the presidential race and called for continued collaboration between the secretariat and grassroots teams in future party programs.

Meanwhile, the NRM Commissioner at the Electoral Commission, Amb. James Kinobe, congratulated the secretariat and party structures for what he described as a well-coordinated and effective mobilization exercise.

“Our National Chairman, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, commissioned all of us to mobilize support throughout the villages, and the results are visible across all positions — from the presidential level to the parishes,” Kinobe said, dismissing allegations from opposition elements regarding electoral malpractice.

Mr. Rogers Mulindwa, who also served as Sub-Regional Coordinator, described the victory as historic.

“If I am not wrong, the victory in the concluded elections can only be compared to that of 1996. It was not by coincidence, but by deliberate efforts of NRM leaders — from the secretariat to village structures,” Mulindwa said.

Looking Ahead

Leaders at the meeting agreed that while the electoral outcome marked a significant political milestone for the Bukedi sub-region, the next phase demands sustained engagement with communities to ensure improved livelihoods, strengthened social cohesion and inclusive development.

Hon. Amb. Nekesa reiterated that unity, disciplined mobilization and a clear focus on economic transformation will determine whether Bukedi translates its political success into tangible socio-economic progress.