NRM’s Masterplan for Kampala: Analysts Call for Internal Cleanup
For nearly three election cycles, the NRM’s performance in Kampala and Buganda has been on a steady decline.
As Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) strategizes to reclaim dominance in Kampala and Central Region ahead of the next election cycle, political analysts are warning the party to address internal weaknesses before venturing into aggressive campaigning.
For nearly three election cycles, the NRM’s performance in Kampala and Buganda has been on a steady decline.
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The 2021 elections were particularly devastating, with the party losing several key seats to opposition candidates in what many described as a massive protest vote.
NRM Vice Chairman for Buganda, Godfrey Kiwanda, remains optimistic about reversing this trend.
“There was a lot of propaganda. Opponents told many lies, but voters now know the truth,” said Kiwanda. “We are determined to front only candidates who can secure wins for the NRM. Our message is clear, and the propaganda has faded.”
Kiwanda revealed that the NRM is working on a comprehensive master plan to recapture Central and Kampala, emphasizing infrastructure development as one of their key achievements.
The plan also involves carefully selecting candidates and leveraging alliances with other political parties.
“We’ve built most of the infrastructure,” Kiwanda said. “Our message is strong, and we will work with those who share our vision.”
This sentiment aligns with remarks from Democratic Party (DP) Secretary-General Gerald Siranda, who hinted at ongoing talks between the NRM and DP to form strategic alliances.
“We are in discussions where either the NRM or DP will avoid fielding candidates against each other in certain areas,” Siranda confirmed.
The Need for Internal Reform
However, not everyone is convinced that external strategies alone will save the NRM in Kampala and Central Region.
Former NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) member and political analyst Capt Francis Babu advised the party to focus on addressing internal challenges.
“The propaganda against the NRM has been damaging, but corruption within the party is a bigger issue,” Babu said. “The NRM has shied away from tackling these problems. The cleanup must start in-house.”
Babu also noted structural weaknesses within the party, urging the NRM to resolve these before pursuing external alliances or rolling out grand plans.
“A strong candidate and a beautiful manifesto won’t solve the problem if the internal structures are shaky,” he added.
As the political season approaches, the NRM faces the dual challenge of mending its internal cracks while regaining public trust in a region where its popularity has significantly waned.
Whether its master plan for Kampala and Central Region will yield results remains to be seen.
For nearly three election cycles, the NRM’s performance in Kampala and Buganda has been on a steady decline.
As Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) strategizes to reclaim dominance in Kampala and Central Region ahead of the next election cycle, political analysts are warning the party to address internal weaknesses before venturing into aggressive campaigning.
For nearly three election cycles, the NRM’s performance in Kampala and Buganda has been on a steady decline.
Keep Reading
- > Elections are not a ritual, say analysts The 2021 elections were particularly devastating, with the party losing several key seats to opposition candidates in what many described as a massive protest vote.
NRM Vice Chairman for Buganda, Godfrey Kiwanda, remains optimistic about reversing this trend.
“There was a lot of propaganda. Opponents told many lies, but voters now know the truth,” said Kiwanda. “We are determined to front only candidates who can secure wins for the NRM. Our message is clear, and the propaganda has faded.”
Kiwanda revealed that the NRM is working on a comprehensive master plan to recapture Central and Kampala, emphasizing infrastructure development as one of their key achievements.
The plan also involves carefully selecting candidates and leveraging alliances with other political parties.
“We’ve built most of the infrastructure,” Kiwanda said. “Our message is strong, and we will work with those who share our vision.”
This sentiment aligns with remarks from Democratic Party (DP) Secretary-General Gerald Siranda, who hinted at ongoing talks between the NRM and DP to form strategic alliances.
“We are in discussions where either the NRM or DP will avoid fielding candidates against each other in certain areas,” Siranda confirmed.
The Need for Internal Reform
However, not everyone is convinced that external strategies alone will save the NRM in Kampala and Central Region.
Former NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) member and political analyst Capt Francis Babu advised the party to focus on addressing internal challenges.
“The propaganda against the NRM has been damaging, but corruption within the party is a bigger issue,” Babu said. “The NRM has shied away from tackling these problems. The cleanup must start in-house.”
Babu also noted structural weaknesses within the party, urging the NRM to resolve these before pursuing external alliances or rolling out grand plans.
“A strong candidate and a beautiful manifesto won’t solve the problem if the internal structures are shaky,” he added.
As the political season approaches, the NRM faces the dual challenge of mending its internal cracks while regaining public trust in a region where its popularity has significantly waned.
Whether its master plan for Kampala and Central Region will yield results remains to be seen.
