By Kazibwe Jamil
It is human nature for every Tom, Dick and Harry to attempt to claim a piece of a successfully executed mission.
It is therefore not surprising that many players — including those who negatively impacted the recent NRM campaign efforts — are falling over themselves to impress it upon whoever cares to listen that they provided the silver bullet for the NRM resurgence.
For any serious observer, the only thing the NRM did differently in campaign management this time round was the pivot from the traditional top-down approach to a grassroots-based mobilisation drive.
In my considered opinion, this innovative design was the game changer.
In the recent elections, the NRM discarded the concept of a traditional National Task Force and instead opted for structure-led mobilisation. This was revolutionary.
It had the effect of activating the NRM base and engendered ownership of the campaign efforts by the newly constituted party structures. This novel approach was executed by the party Secretariat in all the 72,000 villages across the country.
Village-level conversations among grassroots leaders were happening almost simultaneously. The resulting bonding and unity of purpose energised the NRM base in unprecedented ways.
Previously, when the presidential candidate concluded campaigning in a particular district, there would be no follow-up. This time round, the structures maintained the vibe and momentum within districts right up to polling day.
Of course, the strategy encountered some challenges, especially the mismanagement of campaign resources, but to a large measure, it achieved its principal objectives.
This main strategy also did not work in isolation. It was buttressed and spiced up by special operations led by Mr Moses Byaruhanga, the ONC initiatives under Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, ghetto interventions, and the successful implementation of NRM flagship livelihood programmes — most importantly coupled with the unique appeal of the NRM presidential candidate.
His brand as a guarantor of peace, stability, continuity and progress ultimately sealed the outcome.
The author is an NRM Cadre and revolutionist
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