NRM Secretariat Launches Construction of 21 District Offices to Strengthen Party Operations Nationwide

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat has launched a major infrastructure programme to construct permanent party offices in 21 districts across Uganda as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures, improve coordination and enhance service delivery.

The initiative, announced by NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong during a press conference at the party headquarters at Plot 10, Kyadondo Road, Nakasero, Kampala, is aimed at establishing permanent operational bases for the party in every district across the country.

Todwong said the first phase would cover 21 districts where party cadres have donated land to facilitate the construction of the offices, with works taking place in selected districts across the Central, Eastern, Northern and Western regions.

He explained that the programme is part of the Secretariat’s broader commitment to ensuring that the NRM has functional offices throughout the country to support its political, administrative and mobilisation activities.

“We shall cover all districts, but we began with 21 where some cadres donated land. This phase will cover some districts in the Central, Eastern, Northern and Western regions,” Todwong said.

He described the construction programme as one of the party’s most significant initiatives, noting that permanent offices would provide members with institutional homes while improving coordination of party activities and implementation of the NRM manifesto.

“This is one of the most important initiatives we are launching as a party today,” Todwong said, reaffirming the Secretariat’s determination to establish functional offices in every district. 

Funding from party primary elections

The Secretary General revealed that the construction programme would be financed using funds collected through the expression-of-interest fees paid by aspirants who participated in the NRM party primary elections.

The decision to channel the funds into permanent party infrastructure reflects the Secretariat’s intention to invest resources generated through party activities in strengthening its institutional capacity.

Todwong said the offices would provide a lasting foundation for party organisation, leadership coordination and engagement with members at the district level.

The Secretariat has already received nine fully constructed offices donated to the party by individual cadres in Ngora, Mayuge, Gulu, Kween, Buhweju, Bugiri, Bukedea, Sironko and Kakumiro districts.

These donations demonstrate the contribution of party supporters towards strengthening the NRM's presence and establishing permanent structures at the grassroots. 

Luwero takes centre stage in the project

NRM Deputy Secretary General Rt. Hon. Rose Namayanja Nsereko commended Todwong for spearheading the initiative, describing it as an important step towards strengthening the party’s institutional presence across the country.

She welcomed the decision to begin the construction programme with offices in Luwero District, saying the area holds special historical significance in the NRM's history and the liberation struggle that brought the movement to power.

Namayanja disclosed that the Secretariat had procured an acre of land in Luwero using funds donated by the NRM National Chairman and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

“The Secretariat procured an acre of land from the money donated by the National Chairman and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” Namayanja said.

She noted that establishing a permanent party office in the district was particularly meaningful given Luwero's historical connection to the origins of the NRM.

The project is expected to give party leaders and members a permanent base from which to coordinate activities, mobilise supporters and oversee the implementation of party programmes.

NRM introduces accountability measures

Meanwhile, NRM National Treasurer Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo said the Secretariat had put in place supervision and accountability mechanisms to ensure that the construction programme meets the required standards.

She revealed that regional project supervisors had been appointed to monitor implementation, enforce quality control and ensure compliance with established procurement guidelines.

Nekesa said the Secretariat would prioritise local contractors from the respective districts, a move expected to create opportunities for local businesses while promoting participation in the development of party infrastructure.

However, she emphasised that contractors would first undergo rigorous due diligence, including verification of company registration, tax compliance, technical capacity and beneficial ownership.

The measures, she explained, are intended to prevent conflicts of interest, strengthen transparency and ensure that the construction process is handled by qualified contractors.

“The local contractors from respective districts will be prioritised, subject to rigorous due diligence, including verification of registration, tax compliance, technical capacity and beneficial ownership to prevent conflicts of interest. The simultaneous construction of offices is projected to take about nine to ten months,” Nekesa said.

She further explained that all the offices would follow a standard architectural design to ensure uniformity in the party's infrastructure across the country.

“All office designs are standard and generic. We shall have the same design everywhere. There is no room for altering the designs. They have been standardised and approved,” she emphasised.

The standardised designs are intended to maintain consistency in the appearance, functionality and quality of the party offices regardless of their geographical location. 

Senior NRM officials attend launch

The press conference was attended by several members of the NRM's top management, demonstrating the party leadership's collective involvement in the infrastructure programme.

Among those present were Deputy National Treasurer Hon. Jacqueline Kyatuheire; NRM Electoral Commission Commissioners Hon. James Tweheyo, Hon. Zaitun Dwiwaru and Hon. Auma Juliana Modesta; and Director of External Affairs Maj. (Rtd) Awich Pollar.

The construction programme marks another effort by the NRM Secretariat to strengthen its organisational structures beyond its national headquarters and establish permanent administrative and mobilisation centres in districts across Uganda.

With the first phase targeting 21 districts and a projected implementation period of nine to ten months, the Secretariat hopes to progressively extend the programme to all districts, ensuring that party members have accessible offices to support their activities.

The initiative also places emphasis on local participation, standardised infrastructure and accountability in the use of party resources, as the NRM seeks to consolidate its presence and operational capacity throughout the country.