NRM National Treasurer Barbara Nekesa Oundo Calls for Leadership Focus on Key Development Priorities
Highlighting the Church's pivotal role in society, Ambassador Nekesa lauded its efforts in shaping moral values and fostering societal growth. She described the Church as an anchor for community transformation and unity, commending religious leaders for their contributions to fostering development.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Treasurer, Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo, has made a clarion call for leaders to prioritize critical areas of development to uplift livelihoods and foster societal transformation. Speaking as the chief guest during a fundraising ceremony at St. Kaloli Lwanga Church in Busia District on January 12, 2025, Nekesa delivered a message emphasizing unity, accountability, and proactive leadership.
The Role of the Church in Development
Highlighting the Church's pivotal role in society, Ambassador Nekesa lauded its efforts in shaping moral values and fostering societal growth. She described the Church as an anchor for community transformation and unity, commending religious leaders for their contributions to fostering development.
“The Church is a crucial institution in society, shaping people to do good as Christ did. Developing church infrastructure is an integral part of this mission, and I am proud to support this endeavour,” she said.
On behalf of the NRM, Ambassador Nekesa made a financial contribution to the church to support its development projects. While the exact amount was not disclosed, the gesture underscored the NRM’s commitment to social and spiritual development.
Agriculture and Land Management
Ambassador Nekesa emphasized the importance of transforming agriculture from subsistence to commercial farming. She urged landowners to embrace commercial agriculture as a strategy to enhance household incomes and improve food security.
Recognizing land-related challenges, she called for an end to the widespread practice of land fragmentation caused by inheritance. She advocated for the preservation of larger, more productive landholdings to ensure economic viability.
“The fight against poverty must begin with addressing land issues. Secure land ownership and resisting illegal evictions are critical to empowering communities and ensuring sustainable development,” she stated.
Education for Transformation
Ambassador Nekesa reaffirmed the NRM’s commitment to the full implementation of free education programs. She called for closer monitoring of education standards to ensure that children benefit from quality learning outcomes.
“The success of our free education programs lies not only in access but also in the quality of education provided. Leaders must ensure these programs are effectively implemented,” Nekesa added.
Economic Empowerment and Value Addition
She also underscored the importance of value addition to agricultural products, noting that it would improve the competitiveness of Ugandan products in the market. By doing so, farmers would not only earn more but also contribute to the country's economic growth.
Health Sector Reforms
In her address, Nekesa emphasized the need for preventive healthcare, better sanitation, and improved medical services. “A healthy population is key to development. Disease prevention must be prioritized alongside curative services,” she noted.
Call to Leaders and Communities
Ambassador Nekesa urged leaders—religious, political, and cultural—to mobilize communities around government programs aimed at fostering socio-economic transformation. She specifically highlighted initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, which seeks to alleviate poverty at the grassroots level.
“As leaders, religious, political, or cultural, we must rally our people around the fundamentals of socio-economic transformation. This includes addressing land issues, ensuring access to education and healthcare, and fighting poverty,” Nekesa said.
She emphasized that leaders must lead by example and actively participate in government programs to inspire confidence among the people.
2026 General Elections Preparation
Concluding her speech, Ambassador Nekesa urged the public to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise ahead of the 2026 general elections. She also announced that the NRM would soon release its roadmap for the elections, calling for mass participation in updating the party’s membership register.
A Vision for Unity and Development
Ambassador Nekesa’s address at St. Kaloli Lwanga Church underscored her commitment to championing socio-economic transformation. By prioritizing agriculture, education, healthcare, and land management, she painted a vision of development rooted in collective effort and accountability.
Her call for leaders to lead by example, support government programs, and mobilize communities reinforces the need for proactive leadership in addressing Uganda’s development challenges.