Published on 30/07/2025
Eng. Jonard Asiimwe has officially launched his campaign to become the next National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, unveiling a bold and transformation-driven manifesto at his offices in Kampala. The 37-year-old businessman emphasized his commitment to building on the party’s legacy while introducing new, practical ideas to propel the region and country forward.
“I step forward not to chart a new course, but strengthen, deepen and deliver further on the NRM’s great legacy. At times like this, our country is looking to secure continuity, appreciating the elder’s efforts under the guidance of President Museveni,” Eng. Asiimwe told journalists.
Positioning himself as a generational leader who can bridge the party’s heritage with emerging national needs, Asiimwe pledged to spearhead a Western-led transformation that aligns with national priorities and the NRM manifesto.
A key highlight of his agenda includes accelerating the shift from subsistence to commercial agriculture. He pledged to reduce post-harvest losses by 40% through expanded access to agricultural value chains, cooperative-based farming models, and better rural infrastructure including storage and marketing facilities.
He also outlined plans to create over 2,000 jobs and support more than 250 digital innovations targeting regional integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area. This would be achieved by establishing youth innovation hubs across Uganda.
Asiimwe further proposed developing the creative economy by operationalizing talent-to-market alliances in sports and the arts. “This will be done through the operationalization of 20 regional talent clubs and creative industry facilities to nurture sports, music and fashion entrepreneurship,” he said.
Drawing from his experience supporting local football clubs like Mbale Heroes and Kitara FC, he believes his involvement in grassroots sports positions him well to deliver results in this area.
His comprehensive plan also includes unlocking mineral wealth, formalizing border trade, setting up market academies, launching a Shs50 billion local content innovation fund, and enhancing civic and ideological education—all anchored within the frameworks of the NRM manifesto and the National Development Plans.
“My manifesto draws from the robust socio-economic foundation laid out in the NRM manifesto, Vision 2040 and the third and fourth national development plans and other relevant policies that stand for people’s prosperity and purpose-driven leadership,” he noted.
Asiimwe said his youthful energy, business background, and national development outlook make him uniquely suited for the NRM Central Executive Committee. “I stand at a prime age, mature enough, yet youthful enough in spirit, energy and connection to mobilize and inspire the rising generation,” he stated.
His candidature received public endorsements during the launch event from several key NRM figures, including Jessica Mwijuka (workers’ councillor, Mbarara City), John Magara (NRM delegate, Rakai), Paul Lokwii (aspiring workers’ league chairperson for Karamoja), and Brian Tunura (NRM secretary, Bunyoro sub region).
