Thousands of northern Ugandans living in Kampala braved the afternoon rain on Monday to meet the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General and Head of Elections at Lugogo Hockey Grounds.
The gathering brought together members of various communities, including the Alur, Nubians, Lugbara, Madi, Acholi, and Langi, from different parts of Kampala.
Cooyomiliel Michael, the Vice Chairperson of the Wadikurwa Zone Alur Community, says that people from Nebbi, Pakwach, Zombo, and parts of the Lugbara sub-region have formed associations across Kampala where members from the same regions subscribe.
He explains that all these associations are coordinated under a mother body known as Wadikurwa, which oversees their activities and makes mobilization and information sharing easier.
Cooyomiliel adds that leadership of the associations is democratically elected and changes every five years at all levels.
Upon arrival at the venue, attendees were each given an NRM T-shirt, as entertainment from different cultural groups took place. Food and drinks were also provided.
Speaking to Favour fm , Cooyomiliel said that although the various communities have formed Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), most of them lack sufficient capital to support members’ economic activities.
He appeals to the government to capitalise the SACCOs to boost their incomes and improve livelihoods.
Addressing the gathering, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong urged Kampala-based northern Ugandans to vote for the NRM at all levels in the January 15 elections, saying this would enable him to work closely with them to address their challenges.
More than 2,000 people who attended the meeting said many members of their communities especially women are engaged in street vending, selling groundnuts, mangoes, and other produce to supplement family incomes.
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