KABALE. The NRM Sub-Regional Coordinator for Kigezi, Lt. Col. Edward Natukunda, has attributed the party’s overwhelming success in the LC.1 elections to strategic preparation and extensive mobilization.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Lt. Col. Natukunda spoke on a radio talk show to analyze the elections held on July 28, 2026, across 71,214 villages nationwide.
He stated that provisional results indicated that the NRM was leading in the LC.1 elections in 3,303 villages within the Kigezi sub-region, with support exceeding 90%.
He added that between 5% and 9% of their LC.1 chairperson candidates who lost were defeated by NRM-leaning independents with exception of Rukungiri District where Opposition Party PFF registered a handful wins on some Polling stations..
“The reports we have so far show that NRM’s victory stands at 90% and above. However, if we include the NRM-leaning independents, our support rises to 95%,” he said.
He credited the NRM’s success to meticulous strategic planning complemented by intensified grassroots mobilization.
“For instance, we had a flag bearer in each of the over 70,000 villages nationwide, whereas other parties rarely fielded candidates in most of these villages,” he explained.
Natukunda revealed that the NRM Secretariat deployed 21 coordination teams across the country. In the Kigezi sub-region, a team of seven, led by the Deputy National Treasurer, Hon. Jacqueline Kyatuheire, launched mobilization on July 19, 2026. They met with NRM chairpersons and Members of Parliament from the six districts in the region, to share the road map and expected ground activities.
The sub-region coordinators were tasked with delivering documented messages from the National Party Chairperson, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong. Their responsibilities also included coordinating teams, providing mobilization and tactical guidance, and monitoring polling day activities.
CUE IN… LT. COL. NATUKUNDA.
The Kabale District NRM Secretary for Publicity, Mr. Edison Turyahabwa, also known as Political, stated that mobilization efforts at the sub-county level enabled them to win at nearly every polling station. He reported that provisional results indicated opposition parties failed to secure victories at any polling station in some Subcounties, while up to five or more NRM flag bearers in each of the 15 sub-counties of Kabale District ran unopposed.
Mr. Robert Bugabo, the winner of Rugarama 2 Cell in Katookye Parish, Kyanamira Sub-county, Kabale District, attributed his victory to the strategic guidance provided by the NRM Secretariat. He explained that NRM candidates were advised on how to craft messages that resonated with the people’s needs, especially regarding service delivery.
Bugabo recounted that his victory was marred by sectarian sentiments, as his opponent’s camp branded him a Rwandan immigrant and Anglican, accusing him of seeking to impose himself on a predominantly Bakiga and Catholic voters. However, he overcame these challenges by adhering to the core messages from the NRM Party National Chairman and Secretary General.
“We emphasized that a village is a community of people working together to find solutions to their problems, regardless of their faith, tribe, or political affiliation. We also shared the NRM Manifesto, which aims to improve livelihoods through wealth creation and effective service delivery,” Bugabo stated.
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