By Fred Kalema Pax
Recently, I had an eye-opening conversation with a District chairperson who shared his frustrations about service delivery. He revealed that he had spent three months trying to meet the Minister of Local Government to discuss critical issues affecting his district—yet he never got the opportunity.
This encounter made me reflect deeply. I did not rush to blame the minister, but it raised a fundamental question: *How overburdened are our ministers and MPs that they cannot even spare time for the people they serve?* If a minister cannot meet a district leader for months, what does that say about their availability for party work?
Now, imagine a scenario where such ministers—already stretched thin by government duties—also double as members of the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC). Can they truly dedicate the required time and energy to the party? Or do they simply want these positions for prestige and political clout?
The 2021 Election Exposed A Fatal Weakness
The 2021 general elections were a wake-up call for NRM. The party suffered unprecedented losses, especially in Buganda and parts of Busoga. One glaring observation was that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the party’s National Chairperson, was almost *alone* on the campaign trail, rallying support for the party. Meanwhile, most CEC members were preoccupied with their own parliamentary campaigns, leaving the party’s mobilization efforts weakened.
This was a direct consequence of a constitutional loophole that allows individuals with heavy government responsibilities to contest for CEC positions. Since presidential and parliamentary elections occur on the same day, a CEC member who is also vying for an MP seat will naturally prioritize their own survival over the party’s broader interests. The result? A disjointed campaign and a weakened party structure.
Ministers As CEC Members Create A Disconnect
The NRM is a mass party that thrives on grassroots connectivity. However, when ministers—who are often shielded by layers of security—occupy top party positions, a dangerous gap emerges between the leadership and ordinary members. How can a leader who is inaccessible to even local government officials effectively address the concerns of party members at the village level?
On top of that, as a mass party, the NRM often experiences internal wrangles, necessitating readily available leaders to resolve conflicts and ensure the party’s continued progress.
A current example is the ongoing NRM grassroots elections. There are already complaints, such as the requirement for village-level aspirants to travel to sub-counties for nomination—an unnecessary burden on candidates. Yet, no CEC member has addressed this issue because they are all engrossed in their own political survival games.
The Monetization Of Party Politics
Another critical concern is the *monetization* of internal party elections. Many ministers in CEC use ill-gotten government resources to manipulate delegates, turning the party into a playground for the highest bidder rather than a meritocratic institution. This undermines democracy within NRM, as competent leaders are edged out in favor of deep-pocketed opportunists who see the party as a means to personal gain, not service.
The Way Forward: Dedicated Party Leaders
As the NRM prepares for its internal elections, I urge all party supporters to reject any candidate who is vying for both parliamentary and CEC positions. The party needs leaders who are fully committed to its growth—not part-timers who will abandon their party duties the moment they secure their personal political ambitions.
By electing dedicated cadres—individuals who are not weighed down by ministerial or parliamentary duties—the NRM will foster inclusivity, strengthen internal democracy, and ensure that the party remains vibrant and responsive to the needs of its members.
For the sake of the NRM’s future, let us choose leaders who will prioritize the party above personal interests.
For God and My Country.
The author is a Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Bukomansimbi District and is an aspiring Member of Parliament for Bukono East Constituency – Masaka District. Contact +256753362000
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