Kamuli district’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) chapter has a new leader at the helm, with Mathew Bazanya taking over as the district chairperson. Tasked with uniting a party fractured by recent elections and dwindling support, Bazanya faces a significant challenge: to rejuvenate the NRM in Kamuli and reclaim its dominance in the face of rising opposition influence.
The handover ceremony, held at the Party Offices in Buwenge Empya, saw Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kamuli, Rose Birungi, officially charge Bazanya with his mission. Emphasizing the vulnerability of the party in the Busoga region, Birungi urged the new team to safeguard it from “poachers” and reignite its popularity.
“You come at a time when Busoga is in the spotlight for infiltration by opposition,” Birungi stated. “The recent elections have slightly resurrected factions and political emotions leaving the party members shaky and prone to the lurking eagles ready to recruit the frustrated lot. So, it is your first challenge to hold the party together.”
In his maiden acceptance speech, Bazanya laid out his plan to bridge the existing divides within the party, expand its membership base, and ensure the effective implementation of the NRM manifesto. He promised a proactive approach driven by fresh ideas.
“We come on board with fresh ideas, pro-active methods of work and having had the opportunity to be told face to face about the party weaknesses, we shall constantly, collectively and passionately serve it to the satisfaction of the grassroot member,” Bazanya vowed.
He emphasized the importance of reaching out to those who lost in the recent elections, leveraging the experience of veteran leaders, and building upon existing party programs while upholding the vision of the party’s founding father, President Museveni.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Bazanya identified waning party support, infiltration by the opposition, and the high expectations of the people as key obstacles.
“We are aware, vigilant and wary of the waning party support, infiltration from the political wave of opposition and the high expectations of the people and trust our team these are the driving gears, potholes, humps along our road as party,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Bazanya highlighted the upcoming Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections as a critical moment for the party. He passionately rallied support for the First Deputy Prime Minister and Woman MP for Kamuli, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, emphasizing her importance to the region.
“Without mincing words or hiding allegiance, Kamuli and Busoga must remain the home base for our party torchbearer Mama Kadaga and we are committed to supporting her full gear and extraordinary back up because without her, at the national kitchen we remain orphaned. Nothing for us Busoga without her period,” Bazanya declared, underscoring the region’s unwavering commitment to Kadaga.
Bazanya’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for the NRM in Kamuli. His youthful energy, commitment to unity, and clear vision for the party’s future offer a beacon of hope for revitalizing the NRM’s position in the district and the wider Busoga region.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether he can successfully navigate the challenges ahead and deliver on his promises to revamp the party and restore its strength.
