The National Unity Platform Secretary General, Mr Lewis Rubongoya, has urged young people in Buikwe District to take an active role in the forthcoming Local Council I elections.
Mr Rubongoya said the polls are important for strengthening the party’s structures at village level.
He made the remarks during a mobilisation meeting in Buikwe, where he asked youth to participate in every stage of the electoral process.
He said young people should not wait for polling day. Instead, he urged them to begin with voter registration and remain engaged until voting ends.
“Many young people are active at the early stages of elections but drop out along the way, allowing others to decide on their behalf. Stay engaged throughout the process,” he said.
NUP Targets Village-Level Mobilisation
Mr Rubongoya also warned young people against consuming alcohol on election day.
He said drinking could affect their ability to participate meaningfully in the voting exercise.
The NUP Secretary General expressed confidence that the party could win up to 90 percent of the more than 400 villages in Buikwe District.
He also encouraged women to contest for positions on women councils.
Buikwe South MP Jimmy Kanaabi pledged support for young people who want to seek elective office.
He urged them to believe in their leadership potential and work together to expand the party’s influence in the district.
“Leadership is not about age or appearance. With determination, anyone can lead,” he said.
Party Leaders Back Young Aspirants
The Buikwe District NUP chairperson, Mr George Waswa, said the party had already started mobilising aspiring candidates.
He said experienced leaders were mentoring new entrants as part of efforts to build a stronger grassroots network.
“We have worked without internal conflicts and will continue grooming future leaders,” he said.
Njeru Municipality MP Moses Lukanga also encouraged young people to join politics early.
He said leadership begins at village level, making the Local Council elections an important starting point for emerging leaders.
The meeting was also attended by NUP acting president Dr Lina Zedriga Waru.
She thanked residents for their continued support and announced that Buikwe would host the party’s main welcome rally for NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu when he returns from the United States.
LC Elections Return After Delays
The Electoral Commission last week unveiled the roadmap for the elections, ending years of uncertainty over the process.
The elections were expected to take place in 2023 but were postponed several times because of funding constraints.
The forthcoming polls will come eight years after the last LC1 and LC2 elections were held in 2018.
They also follow six successive extensions of the tenure of the current office holders.