By Lumpe Media,
It is human nature for many to seek credit after a successful political outcome. Unsurprisingly, in the aftermath of the recent elections, a wide range of actors—including some whose actions may have undermined the National Resistance Movement (NRM) campaign—have rushed to claim responsibility for the party’s resurgence.
However, for any serious observer, the explanation behind President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s commanding 71 percent electoral victory is neither mysterious nor accidental. The most significant shift in the NRM’s campaign strategy was its deliberate departure from a traditional, top-down model toward a grassroots-driven mobilization approach. This pivot proved decisive.
For the first time in recent electoral history, the NRM abandoned the conventional National Task Force model and instead adopted a structure-led campaign anchored in party organs at every level. This approach was not only innovative but transformative. It activated the party’s base and fostered a strong sense of ownership among newly constituted grassroots structures.
Under the coordination of the NRM Secretariat, this model was rolled out across more than 72,000 villages nationwide. Village-level political engagements took place almost simultaneously, led by local party leaders who understood their communities. The resulting cohesion, solidarity, and shared purpose energized the NRM base in ways not previously witnessed.
In past campaigns, once the presidential candidate concluded rallies in a district, momentum often faded due to the absence of sustained follow-up. This time, however, the party structures maintained engagement, enthusiasm, and organizational discipline right up to polling day, ensuring continuity and voter retention.
While the strategy was not without challenges—particularly in the management and coordination of campaign resources—it largely achieved its core objectives. Importantly, the grassroots mobilization drive did not operate in isolation. It was reinforced by targeted interventions, including special operations coordinated by Moses Byaruhanga, the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) initiatives under Hajjat Hadija Namyalo, focused outreach in urban and ghetto communities, and the continued rollout of key NRM livelihood and socio-economic programs.
Above all, these efforts were complemented by the enduring personal appeal of President Museveni himself. His political brand—rooted in peace, stability, continuity, and national progress—remains a central pillar of the NRM’s electoral strength.
In sum, Museveni’s 71 percent victory was the product of a deliberate strategic recalibration, effective grassroots organization, and a candidate whose message continues to resonate with a broad cross-section of Ugandans.
