OP-ED

Open Letter to Museveni on harnessing youthful energy for NRM’s 2026 victory

Dear President Yoweri Museveni,

Your Excellency, I am writing to express my deepest admiration for your visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to Uganda’s progress, and exceptional statesmanship, particularly in maintaining security and stability. Your tireless efforts have transformed Uganda into a beacon of hope and prosperity, earning you a distinguished place in the records of African history.

However, as we approach the 2026 elections, I am compelled to bring to your attention critical areas where the National Resistance Movement (NRM) can improve its outreach and performance. Our exhaustive research has uncovered disturbing trends where voters in certain regions are being misled by self-serving individuals who spread misinformation, exploiting the trust and goodwill of our people. Regrettably, our previous efforts to bring this contentious issue to your attention during the 2021 elections did not succeed due to unclear circumstances emanating from the system that was supposed to connect us with you. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that this time you will correct that defect.

Your Excellency, our team at Pamoja Communal Empowerment Network recently conducted a 7-day undercover study tour in the Busoga region (1st to 8th November), building on the insights we have gathered from Buganda region. This comprehensive study revealed critical areas that require attention to ensure NRM’s continued success.

Notably, we found that while government initiatives like the Emyooga program have positively impacted communities in Busoga, empowering small and medium enterprises and promoting economic growth, there is still a significant need for innovative strategies to engage voters and promote NRM’s vision. The Stimulating Agribusiness for Youth Employment (SAYE) project, aimed at empowering youth in the region and comprehensive mindset change women initiatives also presents opportunities for collaboration and support.

Our findings suggest that traditional methods employed by NRM’s old structures are no longer effective in today’s rapidly changing landscape, emphasizing the need for modern tactics and technologies to enhance the party’s appeal and effectiveness. Busoga region, with its rich cultural heritage and economic potential, offers a unique opportunity for NRM to connect with the Basoga people, who are known for their resilience and hospitality.

Your Excellency, a critical challenge we face and which some people may not bring to your attention because of the reasons best known to them is that our traditional mobilization methods, although effective in the past, are no longer yielding the desired results. As you read this letter, many of our old structures can not effectively utilize mobile phone gadgets while others can hardly engage youthful voters through various social media platforms even when they are aware that social media will definitely play a crucial role in the 2026 elections.

The truth is that in today’s digital age, sophisticated smartphones have become essential tools for political mobilization and outreach, allowing for real-time engagement and feedback. If we don’t utilize them and reach about 70% of the youth who are likely to influence voting patterns we shall be making priorities wrongly. To address this, we need to adopt innovative tactics that leverage technology to enhance our outreach and engagement.

Your Excellency, another unbearable challenge is that some of our flag bearers are well known for relying solely on your presidential rallies, hoping for “magic victories” in their respective constituencies without developing their own strategies to win people’s support. The situation is made worse when the same flag bearers behave as if they have already won the elections. This approach is insufficient, especially in areas like Buganda and Busoga regions, where our flag bearers have historically underperformed. 

Your Excellency, furthermore, it’s crucial to acknowledge that some of our old structures have terribly lost the trust of the electorate and can no longer harness support for NRM without the adoption of new tactics. If left unaddressed, this will seriously undermine the performance of NRM, as the party’s legitimacy and credibility are closely tied to its ability to deliver on its promises and connect with the people.

Your Excellency, as a youthful team passionate about Uganda’s future, we recognize the immense value of NRM’s legacy and experience. However, we also believe that injecting fresh perspectives and modern tactics into the party’s mobilization structures can significantly enhance its appeal and effectiveness. In fact we have several innovative ideas (which can’t be disclosed from here) and all we ask is your time to meet us and discuss their effectiveness. As of now, we propose collaborating to develop innovative voter engagement strategies, counter misinformation, build strong issue-driven coalitions, and foster a culture.

Looking forward to receiving your cooperation and continuous guidance over the matters highlighted herein.

Yours truly, Edgar Barigye Kugonza
CEO, Pamoja Communal Empowerment Network
Email: [email protected]



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