By URN
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has intensified mobilisation efforts ahead of the upcoming LC1 elections, urging its supporters seeking grassroots leadership positions to obtain party membership cards and prepare for the polls.
The party says it has already registered members who will contest for LC1 chairperson positions and other local leadership roles in Kampala and Wakiso districts as part of efforts to establish its presence at the village level.
NUP mobiliser Habibu Buwembo said the party did not actively participate in the previous LC1 elections because it had not yet been fully established, leaving it without elected LC1 chairpersons.
He said the party has now fronted candidates for various local leadership positions and expects the election results to be announced on the 28th of this month.
Buwembo also alleged that some NUP members preparing to participate in the elections have faced intimidation and threats from state operatives.
The mobilisation event was attended by NUP leaders, including Kampala Lord Mayor Balimwezo Nsubuga, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, Members of Parliament from the party and candidates contesting for LC1 and other local government positions in Kampala and Wakiso.
Addressing supporters, Lord Mayor Balimwezo Nsubuga described LC1 leadership as the foundation of governance, saying village leaders play a critical role in connecting communities with government services.
He urged voters to elect leaders of their choice, saying leadership is a responsibility granted by God, while calling on authorities to allow Ugandans to participate in the elections peacefully without intimidation or interference.
Using an analogy, Balimwezo said: “I am the roof, but I need the foundation, and that foundation is the LC1 chairperson,” emphasizing that effective service delivery depends on strong grassroots leadership.
