Robert Wambedde Officially Nominated for Bungokho Central Parliamentary Seat in NRM Primaries

The race for Bungokho Central Constituency has taken a definitive turn as Robert Wambedde was officially nominated by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to contest in the upcoming party primaries. The nomination ceremony took place at the NRM party EC headquarters in Kampala on Thursday, amid enthusiastic support from his campaign team and constituents.

Wambedde, who has steadily gained grassroots support in Bungokho Central, outlined an ambitious development-focused agenda that he intends to champion if elected to Parliament. Speaking after his nomination, he emphasized his commitment to improving critical infrastructure and essential services such as access to clean water, rural electrification, quality education, and accessible healthcare across the constituency.

Focus on Poverty Eradication and Inclusive Growth

Central to Wambedde's campaign is the issue of poverty eradication. He intends to channel the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) directly into income-generating projects that empower marginalized groups—particularly women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the elderly. According to Wambedde, these groups must be at the forefront of economic transformation if real change is to be achieved.

“We can no longer talk about development without empowering our people at the grassroots. My plan is to invest directly in simple, practical income-generating projects that uplift livelihoods and create employment,” Wambedde said.

His proposed interventions include vocational training programs, agricultural cooperatives, micro-financing initiatives, and support for local artisans and traders—all designed to stimulate economic activity and self-sufficiency.

Industrialization as a Long-Term Solution

Wambedde further stated that industrialization is a strategic pillar in his broader vision to uplift Bungokho Central and the country at large. He argued that small- and medium-scale industries are crucial to solving Uganda’s unemployment crisis and reversing the poverty trend.

“We need to attract and build industries, even at the cottage level, to provide sustainable jobs and market access for our farmers and innovators. Industrialization is not just a national strategy; it must begin at the constituency level,” he explained.

Mbale's Poverty Statistics a Call to Action

His campaign is also responding to a stark reality: a poverty assessment report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) recently identified Mbale District—where Bungokho Central is located—as one of the areas with the highest concentrations of poverty in Uganda. Wambedde views this as an urgent call to action that requires bold leadership and people-centered development policies.

“I come from this community. I know the struggles. We can’t afford to leave anyone behind,” he emphasized.

NRM Primaries Set for July 16, 2025

Wambedde’s nomination comes at a time when the NRM is concluding its nationwide process of selecting candidates for both parliamentary and local government positions. The internal elections, set for July 16, 2025, are expected to be highly competitive, with several constituencies attracting strong contenders.

With his nomination now official, Robert Wambedde enters the final stretch of the NRM primaries with a message rooted in inclusive development, pragmatic leadership, and poverty eradication. His candidacy is expected to galvanize support, particularly among the youth and vulnerable populations seeking transformative representation.

As the NRM prepares to choose its flagbearers, all eyes in Bungokho Central will be watching closely to see whether Wambedde’s message of hope and empowerment will carry him to victory.