By Hakim Kyeswa
For any political movement worth its name, longevity is not a product of chance but a deliberate consequence of fulfilling its social contract with the people. This contract, often encapsulated in the party manifesto, is the lifeblood of its legitimacy. In Uganda, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has, since the 1996 elections, cemented the peace we fought for, consistently presented manifestos that have fundamentally transformed our nation, most visibly in infrastructure and socio-economic foundations.
However, even the most dedicated student of history knows that a one-size-fits-all approach to national development is perilous. The political winter of the 2021 general elections, particularly in the Buganda region, served as a stark reminder of this truth. The results were not just a political setback; they were a loud, unmistakable message from the wanainchi. It was a moment that called for introspection, not indignation.
History reminds us that the NRM’s bond with Buganda is deep-rooted, forged in the liberation struggle. To ignore the concerns of a region that has been a cornerstone of our support would be to forget our own history. The unprecedented losses demanded a new, grassroots-led strategy.
Out of this necessity, the “Buganda Ku Museveni” drive was born, spearheaded by the NRM Parliamentary Buganda Caucus. To the casual observer, it might have been misconstrued as another political rally—a series of gatherings, speeches, and fanfare. But having closely followed its activities, including a profoundly insightful session in Mukono, I discovered it was something far more significant.
This was not a talking shop; it was a listening exercise. For the first time, there was a structured, high-level channel where the common person could directly air their grievances to the very architects of government policy. I witnessed, firsthand, government in session under the village tree. Almost every crucial ministry was represented. The Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the Vice Chairperson NRM Buganda Region, Hon. Haruna Kasolo, the caucus chairperson, Hon. Migadde Robert, and Ministers like Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa (Energy), Hon. Aisha Ssekindi (Water), and a host of other dedicated leaders like Hon. Namujju Cissy, Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, and Hon. Sylvia Nayebale were not just there to speak, but to listen and take notes.
The issues raised were not abstract. In Mukono, the crippling lack of a ferry connecting the mainland to Koome Island was highlighted—a direct failure in service delivery that cost us politically. Across the districts, the perennial and emotive issue of land evictions and grabbing took centre stage. Here, the presence of the Attorney General and officials from the lands ministry was not coincidental; it was strategic. The program became a mobile clinic addressing land rights, with sensitization on legal rights and discussions on tangible solutions like the government’s compensation program for mailo land tenants.
Similarly, the Minister for Energy, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, was seen directing her staff from UEDCL to take immediate note of communities stranded by the stalled rural electrification program. Hon. Haruna Kasolo, with his field experience, was on hand to troubleshoot the implementation challenges of Emyooga and the Parish Development Model, directly addressing the economic anxieties of the people.
The “Buganda Ku Museveni” initiative, therefore, evolved into a real-time, mobile service delivery monitoring vehicle. It bridged the dangerous gap that had emerged between the wanainchi and their government.
The ultimate validation of this grassroots approach lies in the recently released NRM Manifesto for 2026-2031. A careful analysis reveals that it is a document that has been palpably enriched by the voices of Buganda. The specific, localized issues raised during those community dialogues—from the Koome ferry to targeted land reforms and accelerated electricity connection—have found a prominent place in our national plan. This is no longer a manifesto written in isolation in Kampala; it is a document that has been co-created with the people.
The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Just last week, a staunch NUP supporter from Koome Island called me. His message was simple: “Since the Koome ferry is in your manifesto, we are willing to give NRM another chance.” This single sentiment encapsulates the success of the initiative.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the leaders who conceived and tirelessly executed this visionary strategy—Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Hon. Haruna Kasolo, Hon. Migadde Robert, Hon. Hope Grania Nakazibwe, and the entire team. They have demonstrated that the best way to write a people-centred manifesto is to first listen to the people. Our role now is to ensure that this manifesto, which they helped shape, is implemented to the letter.
The political winter of 2021 taught us a vital lesson in humility and listening. The “Buganda Ku Museveni” campaign was our spring. By returning to our grassroots methods and heeding the call of history, I am confident that we are on a firm path to reclaiming the trust and support of the people of Buganda.
The writer is an NRM Cadre and a former Candidate for the Central Executive Committee (CEC).
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