A group of NRM diehards and grassroot mobilisers under their umbrella body NRM Pressure Groups Network Uganda has issued a heartfelt congratulatory message to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the resounding victory registered during the recently concluded presidential polls.
NRM Pressure Groups Network Uganda with more than 3 million members countrywide, is a non0profit and volunteer organization that has been in existence for more than a decade.
President Museveni,81 once again trounced the NUP flag bearer Hon Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi in the polls with 72% against the 24% scored by the closest rival in the Jan 15 polls.
Under the guidance of Frank Serubiri, the national chairman says they came out to solicit votes for Museveni not for convenience nor any selfish agenda but out of conviction and patriotism so that Uganda as a nation continues to greater heights.
Addressing a news conference held at the Jinja Safari Hotel, Serubiri expressed the group’s desire to meet with President Yoweri Museveni who is also the chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to provide feedback on crucial issues affecting the country.
According to Frank Serubiri, the Network’s chairman, the meeting will be essential to share insights and perspectives gathered from across the country.
Serubiri drew parallels from the Holy Bible where Jesus Christ sough feedback from his disciples asking them what people said about him and what they thought about him. This Biblical example as recorded in Matthew 16:13-15 and the gospel of mark 8:27-29.
For context in the Gospel of Mathew, Jesus asks his disciples: “…what do people say the son of man is?” They replied, some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets”. But what about you?”, he asked, “what do you say I am?”.
The passage highlights Jesus’ desire to understand the perspectives of his disciples and to engage them in a discussion about his identity and mission.
Similarly, the NRM Pressure Groups Network Uganda is seeking to engage with President Museveni and provide feedback on the issues affecting the country.
“…it is an opportunity for the president to demonstrate his commitment to addressing the challenges facing the country and to work towards creating a better future for citizens…”, the soft-spoken Frank Serubiri said.
Addressing the Challenges Facing Uganda.
He says they have highlighted several critical issues that need to be addressed to ensure the country’s progress and prosperity. According to Frank Serubiri, these issues include widespread bribery and corruption, poor service delivery, nepotism, and the sale of jobs by the District Service Commission.
The network also expressed concern over the inflation of contracts, where technocrats collude and share government money. This practice, they say not only diverts resources meant for development projects but also undermines the trust of citizens in the government. Serubiri emphasized that this behavior is unacceptable and needs to be addressed urgently.
Furthermore, they have also pointed out the issue of top civil servants spending limited hours in offices, leaving junior staff to handle the workload. This has led to frustration among citizens, who feel that their needs are not being met. Serubiri noted that this behavior is also a major reason why some people are defecting to opposition parties.
During the same news conference, Frank Serubiri, flanked by fellow volunteers and leaders called on Ugandans to reject the opposition’s call for street protests against the election results.
Serubiri stressed that violent street protests and other unlawful activities not only disrupt daily business and investor confidence but also lead to loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure and waste of taxpayers’ money.
Use Legal Means to Resolve Grievances.
The leaders including Hasaga Yosia(eastern), Biso Edirisa Paul (Kaliro), Dhikusooka Ismail (Luuka), Malukuri Edirisa (Mayuge), Mutesi Sylvia and Iskio Abdul Kawanguzi (Jinja) and Lawnyokiru Godfrey (Namutumba)urged those with grievances to seek legal recourse through the courts of law.
“…We implore Ugandans to shun the unpatriotic leaders who are inciting violence and instead use peaceful and lawful means to resolve their issues…” they appealed.
Protecting the Nation’s Progress.
The NRM Pressure Group Network Uganda also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability citing the progress made in various sectors
When asked about their individual needs and challenges, the leaders of the NRM Pressure Groups Network Uganda were forthright about what they hope to achieve from their meeting with the president at State House.
According to Frank Serubiri, they will not hesitate to request assistance in various forms including cash donations to their SACCOs, job opportunities for some members and scholarships for their children.
The leaders who were candid about their expectations made it clear that they will seize the opportunity to discuss their needs with the president.
“…if we get the chance to meet the president, we will not be shy to ask for rewards in any way as the fountain of honor and father of the nation deems fit for us…” Serubiri said.
Analysts say this approach reflects the pragmatic nature of the group’s leaders who are unapologetic about seeking support for their members and also giving the much-desired feedback to the head of state.
In a passionate appeal, the network called upon big leaders in Busoga to resolve their differences, some which are petty but have been costly to the region.
The group expressed concern that despite the NRM government’s good intentions and programmmes for Busoga, the region’s progress is being hindered by intrigue and clique formation.
The group lamented that the region’s leaders meant to be exemplary have been more focused on their individual interests than on working together for the development of Busoga.
Busoga A Region Held Back by Divisionism.
Regrettably, divisionism, clique formation and intrigue have become trademarks in Busoga where accusations and counteraccusations have become a common occurrence.
Unfortunately, it is said that individuals in positions of power often use these tactics to antagonize one another rather than working together to develop the region. This has led to a cycle of mistrust and hostility hindering progress and development in the region.
President Museveni has previously expressed concern over the recurring schisms among the region’s leaders which have eb=even led to public clashes at State House where they should be advocating for resources and opportunities for their people.
Until Busoga leaders put aside their differences and work towards a common goal, the region of more than 4 million people will continue to suffer from the consequences of their divisionism.
