Published on 27/09/2024
By Kyeswa Hakim
The Senior Presidential Advisor and Political Head at ONC Kyambogo, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo on Wednesday, September 25, officially launched the “Vote Protectors Identification (VPI),” an exercise which represents a bold and forward-thinking step in safeguarding President Museveni’s electoral mandate ahead of the 2026 General Election.
The initiative, which seeks to recruit over 145,000 Ugandans in an estimated 70,626 villages and 2,184 sub-counties in the country to protect the integrity of the voting process, is a masterstroke of both foresight and strategy from Hajjat Namyalo demonstrating a keen awareness of the challenges that lie ahead and are actively taking measures to address them.
This exercise is not just a response to the National Chairman’s concerns about vote rigging by the opposition but also presents a comprehensive plan to mitigate electoral malpractice and ensure that every vote cast in favour of President Museveni is safeguarded. In particular, the accusations of rigging during the 2021 General Election, which the President attributed to the National Unity Platform (NUP), triggered the need for increased vigilance to the fore, and thus Namyalo’s initiative of the VPI comes at a critical time when public confidence in the electoral process is in need of reinforcement.
By focusing on youth recruitment, the initiative taps into the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment of young Ugandans. Namyalo’s plan to recruit individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 years is especially innovative. The demographic structure of this age group represents a significant portion of the electorate and has the potential to play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of elections. Moreover, the criteria set for recruitment of at least a Senior Four certificate for village recruits and A-Level education for sub-county recruits ensures that those selected are not only passionate but also capable of understanding the responsibilities entrusted to them.
The emphasis on education in the recruitment process is particularly noteworthy. By setting educational qualifications, Namyalo and her team are ensuring that the selected Vote Protectors will be equipped with the critical thinking skills necessary to detect and prevent any irregularities at polling stations. This move ensures that the recruits are not just bodies on the ground but active, engaged citizens who understand the gravity of their role in the electoral process and the NRM party ideologies to the core.
Additionally, the scope of the exercise encompassing every village and sub-county in Uganda—demonstrates the scale and ambition of Hajjat Namyalo’s well-laid strategy. The idea of recruiting two individuals from each village and two from each sub-county, totalling an estimated 145,620 recruits, is a testament to the thoroughness of this initiative, and the exercise’s widespread coverage means that no corner of the country will be left unprotected, an assurance that the entire voting process is transparent and that every vote cast for President Museveni is accounted for.
Moreover, this initiative also serves to strengthen the already robust relationship between the Office of the National Chairman and the NRM Secretariat. By working in unison, both offices are demonstrating their commitment to ensuring that the upcoming elections are not marred by irregularities or vote theft. This level of cooperation reflects the party’s dedication to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that the people’s choice is respected.
The exercise’s early launch is a testament to the party’s well-crafted strategy to provide for training, preparation, and mobilization, rather than waiting until the election period draws near. This is why Namyalo has wisely chosen to begin the process well in advance, ensure the team selected receives comprehensive training and that they are well-versed in their roles and responsibilities by the time the elections arrive. Additionally, starting early allows for the identification and rectification of any potential logistical challenges, which is critical in a project of this magnitude.
The ONC’s Vote Protectors initiative is not just about guarding against vote theft, but also a powerful symbol of the NRM’s confidence in its support base and its commitment to democratic principles. By empowering young Ugandans to take an active role in protecting the integrity of the electoral process, Namyalo is fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the electorate. This, in turn, will strengthen the legitimacy of the election results and bolster public confidence in the electoral process.
Furthermore, the initiative provides an opportunity for youth involvement in the political process. For many of the recruits, this will be their first time participating in such a significant political exercise. By engaging young people in this manner, Namyalo is helping to nurture the next generation of leaders and activists within the NRM. This bodes well for the party’s future, as it ensures that the party will continue to benefit from a pipeline of committed and engaged youth leaders.
The decision to prioritize youth recruitment also reflects Namyalo’s understanding of the changing dynamics of Ugandan politics. With young people making up a large portion of the electorate, their involvement in the political process is essential for the success of any electoral strategy. Engaging the youth early and giving them a meaningful role to play shows that Namyalo is very focused on seeing that the NRM party remains relevant and responsive to the needs and aspirations of this critical demographic.
In conclusion, the early launch of the “Vote Protectors” initiative is a bold and creative solution to the challenges facing the NRM ahead of the 2026 General Election. With Namyalo on the steering wheel, this has demonstrated her commitment to safeguarding President Museveni’s electoral mandate and with this level of preparation and foresight, there is every reason to believe that the 2026 elections will be both free and fair, with the NRM emerging victorious once again.
The writer is a Head of Digital Media at Office of the National Chairman (ONC) at Kyambogo / hakimkim255@gmail. com +256782776861
