Jonard engaging independents to step down for NRM flagbearers
“We shall prioritize preaching the ideology of the party so that before one joins leadership, they understand why they are entering the NRM. That’s where many people lose direction,” he added.
Hoima: Eng. Jonard Asiimwe, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson in charge of Western Uganda, says he is engaging party members who lost in the party primaries but are contesting as independents, urging them to step down and support the official NRM flagbearers.
Asiimwe made the remarks during the Bunyoro Regional Media Briefing held at his residence in Kabaale Cell, Hoima City East Division, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
He told journalists that while some party members claim they were cheated during the primaries, the NRM is not chasing anyone away but rather working to reconcile with them for the good of the party.
“You have seen me walking all over Western Uganda, meeting many independents. In Kabale alone, 17 independents stepped down for party flagbearers in one day. Even where I am heading now, others have stepped down, and I am going to announce them,” Asiimwe said.
The NRM vice chairperson emphasized that the party leadership is committed to promoting unity, fighting divisionism, and strengthening the party’s ideological foundation.
“We shall prioritize preaching the ideology of the party so that before one joins leadership, they understand why they are entering the NRM. That’s where many people lose direction,” he added.
Asiimwe further noted that some people want to become leaders without fully subscribing to the NRM’s values, stressing that one can still serve the party loyally without being in Parliament or holding any elective office.
When asked about claims that the NRM has fronted weaker candidates ahead of the 2026 General Elections, Asiimwe clarified that the party’s strength lies in its structures and collective effort, not individuals.
“When one has the party flag, we don’t look at the individual but at the party’s strength. Whoever holds the flag already commands the entire NRM structure, and that is the real strength,” he explained.
“A multiparty system doesn’t measure strength by individuals but by the party. When the President comes here to campaign for his people, will you call him weak? We are going to make these candidates stronger.”
Asiimwe also condemned NRM officials who support opposition candidates, calling it a betrayal of party principles.
“Party officials supporting the opposition are in the wrong party. The issue arises from frustration, intrigue, and hatred. We shall strengthen ideological training at Kyankwanzi in the next five years so that members can understand when and how to join the party with the right mindset and ideology,” he said.
Warns against land fragmentation
Eng. Asiimwe also cautioned the public against land fragmentation, saying it causes family disunity and undermines efforts toward economic growth.
He advised families to use land collectively for large-scale agriculture, sell produce, and share profits rather than subdividing or selling it off.
“Subdividing land among children hinders commercial agriculture, which is crucial for both personal and national development,” he said. “The government has built hospitals, roads, and airports to fight poverty, but if we continue fragmenting land, we shall not benefit from these developments.”
He also encouraged Ugandans to revive traditional food preservation practices, such as using granaries, to help address the challenge of famine.
Supports Journalists’ SACCO
During the same press briefing, Eng. Asiimwe fulfilled his pledge to the Hoima Media SACCO, donating UGX 15 million, which completed his earlier commitment of UGX 30 million made earlier this year.
The contribution was officially received by the SACCO’s Vice Chairperson, Mr. Fred Byenkya, who commended Eng. Asiimwe for being a dependable and visionary leader who supports initiatives aimed at empowering the media fraternity in Bunyoro.
The SACCO Chairperson, Mr. Nkalu Christopher, expressed gratitude to Eng. Asiimwe, describing him as “a true friend and supporter of journalists.”
“As Hoima Media SACCO, we appreciate Eng. Jonard for standing with us. His continued support demonstrates his belief in the power of the media to drive development and unity,” Nkalu said.
Nkalu also revealed that the Hoima Media SACCO currently has over 200 registered members from across the Bunyoro sub-region. He appealed to Eng. Asiimwe to remind President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of his earlier UGX 100 million pledge to journalists’ SACCOs in the region.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
