Following a disappointing performance in the 2021 general elections, where the National Resistance Movement (NRM) lost four of the five parliamentary seats in Mityana District, party leaders have launched a comprehensive strategy to regain political dominance ahead of the 2026 elections.
The losses, described by party officials as a “major wake-up call,” prompted early mobilisation, strengthened grassroots structures, and efforts to rebuild trust among voters who felt neglected.
Residents say the 2021 defeat stemmed from internal wrangles, poor coordination, and leaders’ failure to address community needs.
“In 2021, many of our leaders forgot the priorities of the people. There was too much infighting and very little service,” said a voter in Mityana Municipality.
Determined to avoid past mistakes, NRM flag bearer for Mityana South, Henry Makumbi Kamya, said the party is now adopting a collective, team-based approach rather than individual campaigns.
“This time we are moving as one family. We want to correct what went wrong in 2021 and rebuild confidence among our people,” he said.
The renewed drive is part of the broader “Buganda for Museveni” campaign, aimed at strengthening the party’s presence in the region, where voter dissatisfaction contributed to the drop in support.
The mobilisation officially kicked off in Namungo Subcounty earlier this week, with leaders showcasing previous achievements while acknowledging that communication with voters had been inadequate.
NRM Mityana LC5 Chairperson candidate Joseph Luzige admitted complacency and poor organisation contributed to the party’s earlier losses.
“We lost ground in 2021 because our mobilisation was weak and disjointed. This time, we are working as a united team to win back the confidence of the people of Mityana,” he said.
Former Mityana North MP Henry Kamya Makumbi added that the strategy focuses on listening to communities and delivering better service.
“Our goal is to reclaim all the positions that slipped through our hands. We are engaging communities early, strengthening structures, and preparing candidates who genuinely represent the NRM agenda,” he said.
Party strategists outlined key priorities for the new mobilisation plan: village-level meetings and door-to-door engagement, harmonisation of party structures to prevent internal conflicts, clear support for flag bearers to avoid divisions seen in 2021, and regular assessment of leaders’ service delivery efforts.
Residents, however, stress the need for promises to be backed by action.
“NRM has been slow to respond to people’s concerns. Their message must reflect real needs on the ground,” said a resident in Mityana North.
Mityana District comprises four constituencies — Busujju, Mityana Municipality, Mityana North, and Mityana South — all represented by a single Woman MP from the ruling party.
With less than two years to the 2026 elections, the NRM is banking on early preparation, cohesive teamwork, and improved service delivery to restore its influence in the district.