SOROTI CITY: The NRM Secretariat’s Senior Manager for Mobilisation and Team Leader for the Teso Sub-region, Mr Samuel Eyenga, has urged residents to elect Party candidates because they are the most competent to become LC I chairpersons, describing village leaders as the frontline in the fight against corruption and poor service delivery.
Eyenga made the remarks on Wednesday after inspecting several NRM village barazas across Soroti City as part of the party’s nationwide grassroots mobilisation ahead of the Women Council and LC I elections slated for tomorrow and July 28, 2026 respectively.
He said the village barazas were intended to deliver President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s message to NRM members and supporters while encouraging them to actively participate in the forthcoming grassroots elections.
“The President’s message is clear. The LC I system, which evolved from the Resistance Councils during the liberation struggle, remains the foundation of grassroots governance. We need leaders who will mobilise communities, monitor government programmes and protect public resources,” Eyenga said.
According to Eyenga, the President emphasises that LC I chairpersons play a central role in mobilising households to embrace government wealth creation programmes while ensuring public resources are properly utilised.
“LC I chairpersons are crucial in the fight against corruption because they are closest to the people. They should help expose those who misuse public office, steal government funds and frustrate service delivery,” he said.
He added that village leaders are equally responsible for monitoring government projects, including roads, health facilities, schools and other public services, to ensure communities receive the services they deserve.
During one of the barazas in Pamba Ward, residents raised concerns over the absence of a Health Centre II, saying they are forced to travel long distances to access healthcare. They also alleged that some beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) did not receive the full amounts due to them after deductions were made during the disbursement process.
Eyenga said such concerns underscored the importance of electing capable LC I leaders who can effectively represent community interests.
“We encouraged residents to vote for NRM flag bearers who will take these concerns to the relevant authorities. Strong LC I leadership provides the vital link between the people and government,” he said.
The mobilisation exercise has been ongoing across the Teso Sub-region for the past five days, with the NRM Secretariat deploying teams throughout the region to monitor the village barazas and coordinate grassroots mobilisation.
Eyenga said reports from across Teso indicated that the barazas had generally been successful, although attendance in a few villages was affected by funeral ceremonies.
“In some communities, people were attending burials but still sent representatives to receive the President’s message and share it with others. That reflects both civic responsibility and commitment to their communities,” he said.
He also noted isolated logistical challenges in parts of Kateta and Katakwi, where facilitation for some barazas was delayed, adding that the issues were already being addressed.
Eyenga expressed confidence that the Teso Sub-region would conduct peaceful and successful Women Council and LC I elections, urging NRM supporters to turn up in large numbers and vote for the party’s flag bearers.
