NRM's LC1 Success Highlights Barbara Nekesa's Growing Influence in Bukedi Politics

BUSIA, Uganda — The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer, Hon. Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo, has emerged as one of the ruling party's standout grassroots mobilisers following the successful conclusion of Uganda's Local Council One (LC1) elections, where the NRM registered a commanding performance across the country.

Serving not only as the party's National Treasurer but also as the NRM Team Leader for the Bukedi Sub-region, Ambassador Nekesa played a central role in coordinating political mobilisation, strengthening party structures and rallying support for NRM flag bearers in the months leading to the village elections.

Her extensive mobilisation campaigns across Busia and the wider Bukedi region have been widely credited with energising party supporters and reinforcing the NRM's grassroots network, contributing significantly to the party's impressive showing in the elections.

The recently concluded LC1 elections, conducted in all 71,214 villages across Uganda, represented the first major grassroots political test following the reorganisation of village structures. While the Electoral Commission is yet to release the final nationwide party-by-party tally, preliminary results point to overwhelming victories for NRM candidates in many parts of the country.

For Ambassador Nekesa, the outcome reflects months of relentless engagement with local communities, party leaders, opinion leaders, youth groups and women across Bukedi.

A Campaign Built on Grassroots Engagement

Throughout the mobilisation period, Ambassador Nekesa traversed villages in Busia District and neighbouring districts, encouraging party members to participate actively in the electoral process while promoting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's development agenda.

Her message consistently focused on strengthening the NRM from the village level, arguing that effective leadership begins with strong grassroots structures capable of connecting citizens to government programmes.

She urged residents to support leaders committed to development, unity and service delivery while encouraging communities to take advantage of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, improved health services and ongoing infrastructure projects.

Supporters say her approachable leadership style and consistent presence in communities helped deepen public confidence in the ruling party.

Across social media platforms—including TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and WhatsApp—celebratory messages poured in after the elections, with many supporters describing Ambassador Nekesa as a dedicated grassroots leader whose mobilisation efforts had produced tangible political results.

Bukedi Registers Strong NRM Performance

Bukedi emerged among the strongest performing regions for the NRM during the LC1 elections.

Busia District alone registered 105 unopposed NRM LC1 chairperson candidates, one of the highest figures recorded nationally. 

The unopposed victories were distributed across several sub-counties and town councils, demonstrating the party's extensive grassroots organisation.

Busime Sub-county recorded the highest number with 16 unopposed chairpersons, followed by Masaba with 14, Buhehe with 12, Buteba with 7, Buyanga and Majanji with 6 each, while Eastern Division, Dabani and Masafu Town Council each registered 5.

Lumino, Lumino–Majanji Town Council, Bulumbi and Busitema each produced 4 unopposed candidates, Western Division and Namungodi Town Council recorded 3 each, while Lunyo and Masafu registered 2 each. Tiira Town Council, Sikuda and Masinya each produced one unopposed LC1 chairperson.

Across the wider Bukedi Sub-region, the NRM also dominated the elections, with hundreds of party flag bearers securing victory and reinforcing the ruling party's organisational strength ahead of future electoral contests.

Political analysts attribute the region's performance to sustained grassroots mobilisation, disciplined party coordination and active engagement by regional leaders such as Ambassador Nekesa.

National Momentum for the NRM

The LC1 elections further strengthened the NRM's record of grassroots success.

Before the village chairperson elections, the ruling party had already secured approximately 91 percent of positions in the Village Women Council elections after winning 326,248 out of 356,070 seats nationwide.

Party leaders say the success demonstrates the effectiveness of the NRM's strategy of maintaining active village structures and continuous engagement with communities rather than relying solely on campaign periods.

According to the party, NRM fielded candidates in all 71,214 villages, reflecting one of the most extensive grassroots political networks in the country.

Nekesa Praises President Museveni's Development Agenda

Speaking after the elections, Ambassador Barbara Nekesa attributed the party's performance to President Museveni's longstanding commitment to transforming rural communities through targeted government programmes.

"I want to appreciate His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued commitment to transforming the lives of Ugandans. His vision has always been about taking development to the grassroots, where ordinary citizens can feel the impact of government programmes."

She noted that investments in roads, health services, education and the Parish Development Model have continued improving livelihoods across communities.

"The roads being constructed, the investment in health services and programmes such as the Parish Development Model show the President's determination to ensure that no community is left behind. As leaders, our responsibility is to mobilise our people to embrace these opportunities and use them to improve their livelihoods."

Ambassador Nekesa reiterated that grassroots mobilisation remains the foundation of the NRM's political philosophy.

"President Museveni has always emphasised that development must reach the people. The village is where people live, where they work and where they need services. That is why grassroots mobilisation remains very important."

Development Driving Political Support

District leaders believe improvements in infrastructure and economic empowerment programmes have contributed significantly to the NRM's growing support.

Busia District Communication Officer Moses Mangeni said government investments have enhanced mobility, trade and service delivery.

"Government investment in roads and social services has improved movement, trade and access to government programmes. These developments are making a difference in the lives of our people," he said.

Busia Municipality Town Clerk Katunda Mukulu observed that improved roads have boosted commerce by enabling farmers and traders to transport produce more efficiently.

Officials also credit the Parish Development Model with expanding household incomes. According to Busia District PDM Coordinator David Maloba John, more than 19,000 beneficiaries have been reached through the programme and organised into over 800 cooperative groups, creating opportunities for investment and wealth creation.

A Key Mobiliser in the NRM

Within the NRM leadership, Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo has increasingly established herself as one of the party's most effective grassroots organisers.

As National Treasurer, she oversees key administrative responsibilities, while her assignment as Team Leader for Bukedi places her at the forefront of coordinating political activities across the sub-region.

Her leadership has focused on strengthening village structures, mentoring local leaders, mobilising women and youth, and ensuring that government programmes are effectively communicated to communities.

Supporters say her emphasis on accessibility, accountability and continuous engagement has helped consolidate the NRM's presence across eastern Uganda.

Looking Ahead

The LC1 elections have once again underscored the strategic importance of village leadership in Uganda's political landscape.

For Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo, the outcome represents more than an electoral victory—it affirms the value of sustained grassroots engagement, disciplined party organisation and close interaction with ordinary citizens.

As newly elected LC1 chairpersons assume office, the NRM will now seek to build on the momentum generated by the elections while continuing to strengthen its village structures in preparation for future political processes.

For Bukedi, the strong performance of NRM flag bearers stands as a testament to the region's effective mobilisation machinery under Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo's leadership and her unwavering commitment to advancing the party's vision of grassroots empowerment and inclusive national development.