LIRA, Uganda – The Vice Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Lira District, George Abdul, has issued a stern call for party unity, urging members to set aside internal differences and rally behind the party's officially endorsed candidates ahead of the upcoming local council elections.
Abdul made the remarks on Monday while addressing NRM leaders in Agali Sub-county, as the party gears up for village barazas scheduled to commence on Wednesday, July 22. He warned that independent candidacies risk splintering the party vote and weakening the NRM's overall performance at the grassroots level.
"We cannot afford to have our own people working against each other," Abdul told the gathered leaders. "The 'One Party, One Candidate' principle is not just a slogan—it is our strategy for victory. Anyone who chooses to run as an independent against our flag bearer is, in effect, working for the opposition."
According to Abdul, the NRM leadership has embarked on a nationwide grassroots mobilization campaign aimed at securing decisive victories in the forthcoming Village Women Council and Local Council I (LC I) elections. He emphasized that village-level leadership structures form the foundation of the party's political strength, and warned party leaders and supporters against remaining passive observers.
"You cannot win an election from your sitting room," he said. "We must actively engage communities, listen to their concerns, and sell our candidates' visions. The ground is where battles are won or lost."
The former Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Otuke also appealed to citizens to exercise patience with elected leaders, urging them to allow adequate time for the implementation of campaign pledges. He stressed the need to promote unity and development after elections, rather than engaging in premature political contests that distract from service delivery.
"After the votes are counted, we must come together to build," Abdul added. "Constant politicking and early campaigns undermine development. Let us give our leaders a chance to deliver."
His remarks come as the NRM intensifies preparations for the village elections through nationwide mobilization efforts targeting party leaders and supporters at the grassroots. According to the party’s electoral calendar, the village barazas to verify candidates and organize supporters will kick off on July 22. This will be followed by the Village Women Council elections on July 23, and the LC I Chairperson elections on July 28.
Abdul concluded by reiterating that the NRM remains the only vehicle capable of delivering development to Ugandans, and called on all members to demonstrate their loyalty through disciplined voting and active campaigning for party-endorsed candidates.
