The NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Calvin Echodu, says President Museveni’s well-attended rallies in the region demonstrate that the ruling party’s structure-based campaign strategy is working effectively.
President Museveni, who is also the NRM presidential candidate, officially wrapped up his Eastern Uganda campaigns on Friday with a mega rally at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe.
Commenting on the campaign, Echodu described it as a success, saying the rallies indicate what to expect in the January 15 polls.
“I think the numbers are very encouraging for NRM and for our presidential candidate. They show that NRM has really activated its structures, which had not been fully engaged before, and that is translating into real mobilization,” Echodu told journalists in Jinja on Friday evening.
He added: “These numbers are encouraging, and our opponents should be worried because NRM is set for a big win. These are real numbers, mobilized from the villages through party structures, and it’s very easy to see how they will translate into votes.”
According to Echodu, adopting structure-based campaigns was a strategic move by NRM and will help deliver victory in the 2026 general elections.
With President Museveni having campaigned across various districts in Eastern Uganda, NRM leaders are now focusing on explaining the party manifesto at lower levels using local structures.
“We are now launching parish-level campaigns starting next week. This will be a very targeted and structured campaign, continuing even after the president has left the region. The aim is to take the campaign to the grassroots using party structures,” Echodu explained.
He also commended Eastern Ugandan politicians for setting aside differences to support both President Museveni and the NRM.
“Disagreements are normal in any family; it’s how you handle them that matters. We have loyal NRM cadres who may have differences, but we can work around them and reach a common position. Right now, the common goal is securing votes for our president and candidate, and we are seeing strong coordination beyond individual differences,” Echodu said.