Leaders of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Nakasongola District have been urged to avoid divisions and tribalism if they are to regain lost political support ahead of future elections.
Speaking during a meeting held at the district headquarters in Nakasongola, NRM District Chairperson Christopher Nkoyoyo warned party leaders against internal conflicts, saying such divisions had contributed to the party losing support and the Nakasongola constituency to the opposition in the previous elections.
“I condemn sectarianism and we must address the issues causing divisions among us because these disagreements have pushed people away from the party,” Nkoyoyo said.
He further noted that many NRM leaders have repeatedly complained that party supporters are often forgotten after elections, something he said must change if the party is to rebuild trust and regain political ground.
“Most complaints we receive are that people are remembered during elections and forgotten afterward. We must address these concerns now if we are to rebuild support, especially in the Nakasongola constituency that was won by NUP,” Nkoyoyo added.
Leaders also raised concerns about a lack of transparency among some party officials and pledged to work closely with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in fighting corruption and restoring public confidence.
The meeting also highlighted disappointment over President Museveni’s decision to drop former Minister for Public Service Wilson Muruli Mukasa from Cabinet without replacing him with another leader from Nakasongola in a ministerial position.
However, despite their concerns, leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and commended the President for his long-standing cooperation with the district leadership.
“Muruli Mukasa was not the only leader from Nakasongola capable of serving. We remain committed, but we ask the President not to abandon our long-standing demand for city status since Mukasa is no longer there to follow up,” Festus Bandeba, the Nakasongola Resident District Commissioner said.