“I Am the Bridge!”—Eng Jonard Asiimwe Sparks ‘Firestorm’ In NRM Western’s CEC Race, Vows To Rebuild NRM From The Grassroots

By Frank Kamuntu

With Uganda’s youthful population growing louder in its demand for relevance and representation, Engineer Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki has launched a powerful campaign that could signal a generational shakeup within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Announcing his bid for Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda on the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), Akiiki emphasized that Uganda’s future lies in the hands of leaders who can translate legacy into relevance—leaders who, like him, straddle both the wisdom of the old guard and the aspirations of the under-30 majority.

“I stand at a unique generational advantage—mature enough to understand the journey we’ve walked, and youthful enough to lead where we must go next,” he said.

Akiiki made clear that his campaign is not an attack on the past, but a call for generational synergy within the Movement.

“We are not starting over. We are building on what exists—but we must make it speak to today’s Uganda,” he told journalists.

This approach has resonated with many party faithful, particularly younger NRM members who feel increasingly alienated by a leadership structure seen as too elite and too far removed from grassroots concerns.

At his campaign launch, youth leaders, delegates, and district representatives described Akiiki as approachable, consistent, and committed.

“Many of our leaders vanish after elections. Jonard remains on the ground,” said Brian Tunura, NRM Secretary for Bunyoro subregion.

Youth-Centered Agenda

Much of Akiiki’s manifesto focuses on unlocking the potential of Uganda’s young people through jobs, innovation, and talent development. He proposes:

• Youth innovation labs in four regions.
• 250 digital products launched for AfCFTA markets.
• Sports and arts clubs to nurture 5,000 youth entrepreneurs.
• A national Youth Mentors Program targeting over 200,000 youth.

He has already backed his vision with action—sponsoring clubs like Kitara FC, promoting civic radio programming, and working with young professionals across Uganda’s districts.

“This isn’t theory for me. I’ve lived it, invested in it, and proven it can work,” he said.

The campaign pits Akiiki against incumbent Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, but he downplays rivalry in favor of principle.

“This race is not about unseating individuals. It’s about re-energizing the Movement,” he noted, adding that Western Uganda deserves leadership that listens, connects, and evolves.

Akiiki’s candidacy arrives as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections and as the NRM pushes its campaign theme: “Settle for the Best – Museveni is the Best.” Yet even as he pledges loyalty to the party’s founding ideals and to President Museveni himself, he is urging the party to redefine what “the best” looks like in a new Uganda.

“The best leader today is one who builds, mobilizes, and inspires—not one who simply remembers.” Stay tunned for more editions about this unbwogable leader that Western Uganda.