By Musa Mbogo
Engineer Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, who is vying for the position of National Vice Chairperson for the Western Region at the NRM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has officially launched his campaign manifesto, pledging to merge political leadership with economic transformation across the country.
Speaking during an event organised in Kampala, Akiiki said his team opted for a smaller function to symbolically launch the manifesto, choosing to rely on media engagement and regular campaign updates to reach out to the wider public.
Akiiki noted that his manifesto draws heavily from the NRM national manifesto and is anchored in the ideological direction set by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as outlined in his book Sowing the Mustard Seed. He emphasised the President’s call to integrate economics with politics to ensure that Ugandans achieve sustainability in their livelihoods.
“We didn’t stop at the NRM manifesto alone. We went further to align our vision with the national development agenda. Many national programmes have not been fully implemented, and that gap must be addressed,” he said.
He congratulated President Museveni on his successful nomination as NRM National Chairman and extended his best wishes to all other candidates, those elected, nominated, and even those under petition.
Eng. Akiiki underlined his personal track record of winning leadership positions on merit, both at university and in national forums, saying he has never had to bribe or manipulate voters, and that his campaign is grounded in values of integrity, service, and sustainable leadership.
“I’ve been a leader without contest in many institutions, a merit-based student, and a mentor to hundreds across the country. That’s the legacy I’m bringing into this race,” he said.
Quoting Museveni, whom he referred to as a political philosopher, Akiiki reminded the public of the President’s reflection that the struggle has now shifted to defeating poverty, disease, and ignorance.
He called on all NRM leaders at every level (including councillors) to develop their own tailored manifestos that reflect regional and local realities, while aligning with the broader party framework.
“Having a national manifesto doesn’t stop districts from having bylaws or ministries from making policies. Personalised manifestos help widen understanding and improve service delivery,” he said.
He also reflected on his background as a teacher and engineer, highlighting his mentorship of students and engineers across the country. He taught sciences in over 150 schools before retiring from teaching in 2016 to fully focus on engineering.
Akiki clarified that the Western NRM Vice Chair role is not vacant, but said it’s time for the region to be re-energised with a renewed focus, saying the seat had even been held by someone from Bunyoro before bei g assumed by other parts of Western Uganda, but it’s coming back to Bunyoro again.
He made it clear that his leadership is not only going to focus on Western Uganda but aim to serve the whole country.
Eng. Akiiki’s campaign promises to blend technical expertise with political vision, echoing the NRM’s long-standing ideals of transformation, stability, and inclusive growth.
