Namisindwa, Uganda: A growing number of youths in Namisindwa District have declared their intention to contest for Local Council One (LC1) positions, signaling a generational shift in the district’s grassroots politics ahead of the NRM’s internal elections.
According to the roadmap released by the NRM Electoral Commission, nominations for LC1 and other party structure positions will open on April 24, with campaigns kicking off on May 1 and voting scheduled for May 6.
Posters of youthful aspirants have already begun appearing in several villages across Namisindwa, with candidates calling for greater youth inclusion in leadership and local development programs.
In Bumbo Town Council, 28-year-old Bulime Rashid, a butcher by trade, is running for LC1 chairperson of Lwanda II Cell. “Age is just a number,” he said. “People know me; I’ve been serving them already through my business. It’s time we had youth representation at the table where decisions are made.”
Eric Kooyi, another LC1 aspirant for Nandutu Cell, echoed similar sentiments. “We must seek the trust of our communities and lead with the elders, not against them,” he said. “Inclusive leadership is possible if we work together.”
The youth wave has extended to Magale and Bubutu, with Wonyanga Simon vying for the LC1 seat in Bunamunyonyi Cell, while Situma Emma is campaigning in Bubutu Town Council. Many of them argue that entrenched leadership structures have excluded young voices for too long.
Namisindwa District Male Youth Councilor Bwayo Emma praised the courage and initiative of the young contenders. “The best thing any youth can do for their community is to fight for space where they can serve and uplift others,” he said. He cautioned, however, against treating politics as a platform for prestige. “For too long, young people have been seated at the dining table without knowing what’s cooking in the kitchen.”
Bwayo urged all candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns and focus on community service. “There is life after elections,” he added.
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