LOWER LOCAL LEADERS MATTER: A CALL TO ACTION

By Martin Anguyo
Arua City

Ahead of the upcoming National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections at the sub-county and ward levels scheduled for August 15 and 18 2025, voters have been urged to actively participate in the electoral process and cast their votes for leaders who will genuinely represent their interests.

This call to action comes amidst observations that voter turnout for lower-level elections tends to be significantly lower compared to elections for higher-level positions such as district and parliamentary seats.

Joyce Amviko, the NRM Chairperson for Arua City, emphasized the importance of voter participation in the upcoming elections. “It’s crucial for voters to take ownership of the electoral process and choose leaders who understand their needs and concerns,” she said.

“Local leaders are the ones who live among the people, and they should be held accountable for the development and progress of their communities.”

Mawua Bernard, a resident of Kubo Ward who is also vying for the position of ward councilor , echoed Joyce’s sentiments, noting that local leaders are often more accessible and responsive to the needs of their constituents. “We need leaders who will listen to our concerns and work tirelessly to address them,” he said. “By participating in these elections, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our interests are represented.”

Alioni Bornface, the Arua District NRM Chairman, also stressed the significance of the upcoming elections. “These elections are an opportunity for voters to shape the future of their communities and choose leaders who will drive development and progress,” he said. “We urge all voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their right to choose their leaders.”

The low voter turnout in lower-level elections is a concern that needs to be addressed. Unlike district and parliamentary leaders, local leaders are often more directly involved in the daily lives of their constituents, making their roles crucial in community development and by actively participating in these elections, voters can ensure that they have leaders who truly understand and represent their needs.

The upcoming NRM primary elections for lower local leaders present a vital opportunity for voters to exercise their democratic rights and choose leaders who will openly symbolize their interests.

Written by admin