In a rare show of solidarity and political maturity, the ongoing NRM Local Council 1 (LC1) internal elections in Mityana District have taken an unexpected but peaceful turn.
A significant number of NRM youth candidates have voluntarily stepped down in support of fellow party members, fostering unity and easing electoral tensions at the grassroots.
Across several villages in the district, young people turned up in large numbers not only to vote but also to participate in the democratic process with a spirit of cooperation.\ The typically competitive atmosphere that accompanies party primaries was replaced by a calm sense of consensus and mutual respect among candidates.
According to John Kintu, the NRM chairperson for Mityana District, this wave of youth-led compromise is a deliberate move aimed at strengthening internal cohesion within the party.
“What we’re seeing is a sign of growing political maturity among the youth. Many of them chose to step aside and support their colleagues for the good of the party and the community. It’s commendable,” Kintu said.
He noted that in most villages, youth candidates who shared similar visions agreed amongst themselves on who should stand, avoiding unnecessary rivalry that often leads to conflict and divisions.
"This approach has made the election process smoother and faster. In many places, voting was completed without incidents, and candidates were declared unopposed because of prior consensus,” he added.
In some cases, youth groups held community meetings to decide on a single candidate to back, based on factors such as experience, commitment, and leadership track records.
Those who stepped down pledged to continue supporting the winners and working for the development of their communities.
This spirit of collaboration, rarely seen in grassroots politics, has set a precedent for future internal elections in the district and possibly beyond.
Party officials say they hope the trend continues as the NRM prepares for higher-level internal elections and the 2026 general polls.
"What has happened in Mityana could be the blueprint for future party elections less conflict, more consensus. We are hopeful this will carry through to higher levels," said an NRM youth leader.
As the LC1 electoral process continues in other areas, Mityana’s example is being hailed as a model of harmony, discipline, and political foresight within the ruling party's ranks.