“A tree is known by its roots.” Likewise, a political party is best judged not only by its performance at the national level but also by the confidence it enjoys among ordinary citizens in villages, parishes/wards. The recently concluded Women Council and Administrative Unit elections have once again ignited political debate across Uganda. While every political player is entitled to interpret the outcome differently, one fact remains difficult to ignore: the National Resistance Movement (NRM) emerged with an overwhelming majority of victories across many parts of the country.
Following the recent general elections, some critics argued that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM no longer enjoyed genuine grassroots support. Allegations of electoral malpractice dominated political discussions, with some opposition voices insisting that the ruling party’s popularity had significantly diminished. Such narratives, however, have now been challenged by the outcomes of these lower-level elections, where NRM candidates reportedly secured the lion’s share of positions in many districts.
To me, these elections demonstrate an important political reality. The strength of the NRM has, over the years, largely been built from the bottom upwards. Unlike many political organizations that become active only during parliamentary or presidential campaigns, NRM has invested heavily in village structures, parish committees, district leadership, and community mobilization. It is these grassroots structures that have remained the party’s engine for nearly four decades.
As the African proverb says, “The stream that abandons its source soon runs dry.” The NRM’s continued investment in village-level leadership appears to have helped sustain its political presence where it matters most among ordinary citizens.
For several years, elections for Administrative Units and Women Councils had been delayed, largely due to financial constraints cited by government. During that period, many Ugandans questioned the delays, while opposition leaders interpreted them differently, arguing that government was reluctant to organise elections because it feared losing public support.
Whether those concerns were justified or not, the eventual holding of these elections has provided another opportunity for voters to express themselves. In many areas, the electorate entrusted NRM candidates with leadership responsibilities, suggesting that the ruling party still commands considerable support at the grassroots, at least in those locations. In politics, numbers often speak louder than rhetoric.
However, victory alone should never become a sleeping pillow. There is a saying that “Winning an election is easier than winning the people’s hearts every day thereafter.” Elections provide a mandate; performance determines whether that mandate will be renewed.
The overwhelming support received by NRM candidates should therefore be viewed not merely as a celebration but as a renewed contract between leaders and the people. Every elected leader from the village committee member to the President must appreciate that public office is a trust, not a personal possession. As another African proverb reminds us, “The one who carries the people’s basket must not steal from it.”
President Museveni has repeatedly declared that this term will be a “Kisanja of No More Sleep and No More Corruption.” Those words now place an even greater responsibility upon newly elected leaders. The electorate expects active leadership, visible service delivery, accountability, and integrity. Leaders who become inaccessible after elections, neglect community concerns, or misuse public resources risk betraying the confidence that voters have placed in them.
One of the greatest expectations from Ugandans today is the effective implementation of government programmes aimed at improving household incomes. Initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the GROW Project, which supports women entrepreneurs, were designed to create economic opportunities, reduce poverty, and empower communities. Their success will depend not only on government funding but also on honest implementation, proper monitoring, and accountability at the local level.
Where these programmes have been managed well, communities have begun to experience tangible benefits through increased access to capital, enterprise development, and improved livelihoods. Conversely, where implementation has been undermined by poor supervision, political interference, or mismanagement, intended beneficiaries have been left disappointed. This underscores the importance of ensuring that public resources serve their intended purpose.
Corruption remains one of the greatest threats to Uganda’s development agenda. It diverts resources from schools, hospitals, roads, agricultural programmes, and other essential public services. It is therefore encouraging to see renewed emphasis from government on strengthening accountability and fighting corruption. However, the fight must remain impartial, consistent, and guided by the rule of law. Corruption has neither tribe nor political party; it is a national challenge that demands a national response.
The newly elected grassroots leaders also have a critical responsibility to strengthen communication between citizens and government. Village and parish leaders are often the first point of contact for ordinary people seeking government services. Their effectiveness will influence how communities perceive government programmes and whether public concerns are addressed promptly.
Political competition should never become a source of division. Democracy flourishes when different political actors compete peacefully, respect electoral outcomes, and continue serving the interests of citizens regardless of party affiliation. Uganda’s development requires constructive engagement from both the ruling party and the opposition. As the saying goes, “Iron sharpens iron.” Healthy political competition can inspire better policies, stronger accountability, and improved service delivery.
For NRM, the recent victories present both an opportunity and a challenge. They affirm that many Ugandans continue to entrust the party with leadership, but they also raise expectations. Citizens will judge this renewed mandate not by campaign slogans but by improvements in roads, schools, healthcare, security, job creation, and household incomes.
The old English proverb reminds us that “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” Likewise, the true test of these electoral victories will not be the margins by which candidates won but the quality of leadership they provide over the coming years.
As a patriotic Ugandan, I believe these elections send an important message to every leader, regardless of political affiliation: the people are always watching. Today’s applause can become tomorrow’s criticism if promises remain unfulfilled. Trust, once earned, must be protected through humility, transparency, hard work, and selfless service.
The road ahead therefore calls for less politics of self-interest and more politics of service. If newly elected leaders remain faithful to their responsibilities, support government programmes, uphold accountability, and place citizens at the centre of decision-making, the confidence expressed by voters in these elections may well translate into stronger national development.
After all, “A leader’s greatest campaign is good service.”
For God and my Country.
Ongadia Robert Phillip
UCAFNET Coordinator – Jinja City
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