JINJA — The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, has called upon residents of Busoga Sub-region to turn up in large numbers and vote for NRM-endorsed candidates in the upcoming Local Council II leadership elections slated for Monday, August 10, 2026.
Speaking during a media engagement in Busoga, Minister Babalanda conveyed appreciation from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Kataha Museveni, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, and staff of the Office of the President for the continued support shown towards government programmes.
She praised the people of Busoga for their strong participation in the recently concluded Local Council I elections, where NRM candidates performed well across the country. Babalanda urged voters to maintain the same spirit by supporting leaders who understand government policies and are committed to improving service delivery at the grassroots level.
The Minister emphasized that leadership at the parish level plays a critical role in connecting communities with government initiatives, particularly wealth creation programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation and the 4-Acre Model. She noted that parish leaders are responsible for guiding households into productive economic activities and ensuring government resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
Babalanda called on elected leaders from all political backgrounds to put the interests of citizens above political differences, stressing that effective leadership requires cooperation, accountability and a shared commitment to national development. She said every Ugandan deserves access to quality services, economic opportunities and leaders who respond to their needs.
She also directed Resident District Commissioners, Resident City Commissioners, their deputies, security agencies and other relevant authorities to ensure peaceful and secure elections across the country. The Minister urged them to protect voters, candidates and polling officials, while preventing a repeat of incidents such as the violence witnessed in Buwenge, Jinja, where lives were lost.
The Minister encouraged voters to choose leaders who understand the NRM ideology and President Museveni’s wealth creation agenda, describing parish leadership as a key pillar in transforming communities from subsistence living into the money economy. She said responsible leaders must educate citizens, promote savings, monitor government projects and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
Citing the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138, Babalanda reminded voters that parish and ward council chairperson elections will be conducted through lining up behind candidates, their representatives, portraits or symbols. She urged Ugandans to participate peacefully, vote wisely and elect leaders who will work together with government to accelerate development at the local level.
