By Aggrey Baba
Former government spokesperson, Media Center ED, Ofwono Opondo has praised the ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) grassroots elections, saying the strong turnout and active participation across the country are clear signs of a party building serious momentum towards 2026 general election win.
According to him, activities such as the voters’ register update and selection of village-level flag bearers have stirred political energy that Uganda cannot ignore. “Love it or hate it, the NRM remains the engine of national politics,” he noted in his latest commentary.
The most competitive race so far, he said, has been for the LCI chairperson flag bearers, largely because these positions come with authority over the village stamp, which is crucial for approving land and livestock transactions.
In some areas, the pressure was so intense that a few candidates reportedly fainted after losing.
“Participation has been massive,” Opondo stated, adding that this shows that NRM structures are not only alive but healthy and functional.
He explained that the updated register, now including each member’s national ID number, voter details, and full name, gives the party a clear understanding of who is inside and who to target outside its borders.
However, Opondo admitted that due to weak mobilisation and political division in some villages, not all positions, especially those on the five party leagues, have been filled.
Ideally, a fully functional structure would give the party over 2.2 million grassroots leaders across the country.
Despite the gaps, the former Media Center boss sees the exercise as a major mobilisation tool. “When the roots are deep, there is no need to fear the wind,” he said, adding that this work is laying a foundation for future wins.
But he was quick to warn that the next stages, especially the selection of MPs, district leaders and national flag bearers, will not be smooth. “The stakes are higher up the ladder, and that’s where the violence often comes in,” he warned.
He hinted at several possible political upsets, saying that in past elections, senior officials, including ministers and long-serving MPs, have fallen to political newcomers, especially when the public sees them as corrupt.
One key battle to watch, according to him, is the expected contest between former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga and current speaker, Annet Anita Among for the position of NRM second vice chairperson (female).
Opondo advised Ugandans to vote wisely and not be blinded by handouts. “Take the sugar, the salt, the money, but give your vote to someone with clean hands and a clean record,” he said, because the axe forgets, but the tree remembers.
He also called on the party to plan well and prepare for internal disputes. “Let us not be surprised when the losers throw tantrums. It is the nature of political competition. What matters is how we manage it.” (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
