The NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, has called on local leaders to prioritise self-transformation, emphasizing the need for mental, psychological and economic growth before they can effectively lead their communities.
Todwong made the call while addressing over 700 local leaders who were undergoing a one-week cadre development course at Palabek Secondary School in Lamwo district.
The Training program was designed to equip NRM cadres with the skills and knowledge to be effective leaders and agents of social transformation in their communities.
According to Todwong, the course emphasizes the critical role of NRM cadres as "social doctors" in these communities.
“We are here to help our cadres understand their vital role in society. We need a shift towards economic empowerment, and we must effectively utilise available resources and programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyoga, the Youth Livelihood Programs, and GROW, which the government has introduced,” Todwong stated.
He stressed that these programs are key to driving progress at the local level.
Todwong also urged the participants to be exemplary leaders who the public can trust and rely on, exhibiting honesty and dedication to NRM principles.
On the ongoing party membership register update exercise, Todwong rallied the local leaders to mobilise their subordinates to actively participate in the exercise.
"We are displaying the register village by village. Encourage the party members to take part in this exercise. Without a clean register, we can't have a clean election. There must be a village assembly at the end of this exercise where names will be ready out loud for the public." Todwong explained.
Mr. Oguti Sebastian, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Lamwo, highlighted that the training aims to orient and empower local leaders, including councillors, youth leaders, and clan leaders, by providing crucial knowledge and encouraging a change in mindset.
The Cadreship Development Training, which began on the 19th of this month and will conclude today, Thursday, has attracted local leaders from the districts of Lamwo, Kitgum, and Pader.