In article titled “A response to aspirants for NRM CEC vice chairmanship” published in the Saturday Monitor of May 3, 2025 had some assertions around the role of the National Resistance Movement Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the position of the regional vice chairperson for NRM in the top party organ.
The article outlined the voluntary nature of the office and stressed its ideological mandate. In an apparent attempt to limit the responsibility of this office, the author claimed “this office has no role in service delivery.”
This is a troubling argument, and I would like to stir a logical debate on this very important matter. While it’s true that the office does not have primary responsibility for direct service delivery, there remains a significant concern regarding leadership responsibility, political engagement and responsiveness to the aspirations of the people.
Yes, the position ‘may’ not even attract a salary, but to argue that CEC members should not even weigh into aspects of unemployment and services is to miss the point wholesomely. Politics does not occur in a vacuum.
The roles that we seek, such as representing our people in CEC, play a huge role in the grand scheme of things, which is helping the party chairman and president of the Republic of Uganda to deliver on his plans for the citizens.
Political philosophy can and does have an influence – and even tangible results — on actual policy, which seeks to improve the welfare of the citizenry. The role of a regional vice chairperson may indeed be ideological and mobilization-driven, but leadership transcends technical job descriptions.
Leaders must be visible, accessible, and proactive in shaping discourse around development priorities and governance concerns within their regions. To argue that matters such as youth unemployment, poverty alleviation and service delivery are strictly governmental responsibilities absolves party leadership of the critical duty of advocacy, accountability and strategic political influence.
The NRM, being the ruling party, must recognize that its internal structures and leaders play an integral role in ensuring that government institutions address the needs of the people.
A disconnect between party leadership and governmental performance creates frustration among citizens and weakens the party’s ability to inspire confidence and rally support effectively.
Effective mobilization should be measured not merely by electoral victories but by tangible improvement in the lives of the people. The Eastern region deserves leadership that not only secures votes but also fosters dialogue, amplifies grassroots voices, and actively engages stakeholders in the development agenda beyond the campaign season.
For the past decade, leadership of the Eastern region, at the highest levels of the CEC, has not done this as it ought to have. Mobilization has been marred by infighting and corruption, and even favoritism at the expense of ideologically grounded party members.
As one of the aspirants for the position of regional vice chairperson, my goal is to inject fresh energy, inclusivity and a renewed sense of political engagement into the Movement.
We believe that leadership should be accessible, accountable and attuned to the real challenges facing the people. It is our commitment to ensure that the Eastern region remains strong within the NRM while also pushing for policies that directly impact the welfare of citizens.
This campaign is not about rhetoric, but about results. It is about building upon the work that has been done while addressing gaps that persist. Our candidacy is motivated by a genuine desire to serve, and we welcome fair and constructive engagement on the issues that matter most.
Leadership must evolve with the times, embracing dynamic approaches that meet the needs of our people. We encourage a campaign rooted in ideological clarity, mutual respect, and a shared vision for a stronger Eastern region under the NRM.
The writer is a businessman and aspirant for the position of NRM vice chairperson, Eastern region
The ability to have clear distilled thought and linking politics to public policy and peoples welfare is admirable.
It is however not a requirement in that party. Infact, it is “not good” to think this way. Good luck.