The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, has called on party leaders, supporters and voters to turn up in large numbers for the second nationwide round of Village Barazas scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2026, describing the gatherings as a crucial mobilisation drive ahead of the Local Council elections.
The first Village Barazas, held on July 10, were used to fill vacant party positions and confirm official flag bearers for the Village Women Council and LC I Chairperson elections.
Following the internal party processes, the Electoral Commission conducted candidate nominations between July 15 and 19, allowing nominated candidates to begin canvassing for votes in their respective villages.
The second round of Village Barazas will serve as the party’s final nationwide mobilisation platform to rally support behind its endorsed candidates before polling begins, with Village Women Council elections scheduled for July 23 and LC I Chairperson elections set for July 28.
Todwong said the NRM enters the elections with strong grassroots structures, giving the party confidence in its ability to mobilise support across the country.
“There is no political party in Uganda with the structures that the NRM has. We have elected leaders in every village, and these structures have delivered victory in presidential, parliamentary and local government elections. We are confident they will mobilise support for our official flag bearers once again,” he said.
He noted that the party has structures in about 72,000 villages across Uganda, with elected leaders responsible for grassroots mobilisation and promoting the party’s programmes.
According to Todwong, the Village Barazas provide an opportunity to engage communities, introduce flag bearers and strengthen unity among supporters ahead of polling.
“We have official flag bearers in virtually every village. I call upon all supporters to stand firmly behind them — united support for party candidates is the surest way to strengthen the NRM and consolidate our grassroots victories,” Todwong said.
He described the LC I Chairperson position as a foundation of Uganda’s democratic governance system, noting that village leaders play an important role in mobilising communities, supporting government programmes, maintaining peace and promoting development.
The Secretary General urged NRM leaders and structures to use the Barazas to intensify mobilisation, increase voter participation and ensure supporters vote for official party candidates.
The call comes after weeks of nationwide mobilisation across all 18 sub-regions, where party leaders have encouraged members to remain united, reject independent candidates and support the NRM flag bearers.
The NRM has expressed confidence that its grassroots structures, candidate campaigns and continued mobilisation through the Village Barazas will help secure victory in the upcoming July 23 and July 28 elections.
