Serere, Uganda | State Minister for Fisheries and incumbent Serere District Woman MP, Hellen Adoa, has officially launched her re-election campaign, unveiling a grassroots-driven strategy dubbed “Village to Village” as she seeks to reclaim the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag ahead of the party primaries.
The campaign kickoff, which took place across several villages in Bugondo Sub-county on Tuesday, attracted a large turnout of supporters, local leaders, and party mobilizers.
Adoa emphasized that her new strategy is tailored to directly engage with ordinary citizens and address community-specific challenges.
She said the “Village to Village” campaign is about listening to the people and working with them to develop the district.
She added that it is a campaign rooted in unity, peace, and development, and that Serere must remain firmly in the hands of the NRM.
The move signals the start of what is anticipated to be a tight race for the NRM ticket in Serere District, with Adoa facing off against two challengers Esther Lucy Acom and Florence Iyogil both of whom have expressed determination to unseat her.
Political observers say the contest could test party unity and cohesion in a district that has remained largely loyal to the NRM.
Adoa, who has represented Serere District since 2016 and retained her cabinet role as State Minister for Fisheries, is relying on her development track record, access to national leadership, and long-standing presence in the constituency to secure another term.
During her address, she outlined key achievements from her tenure, including lobbying for improved healthcare infrastructure, education initiatives, and fisheries and agricultural support programs.
She said she is proud of what they have achieved together, citing improvements in health facilities, support to farmers with training and programs, and efforts to empower women and youth.
Her “Village to Village” model aligns with a growing trend in Uganda’s political landscape where candidates prioritize intimate, door-to-door engagements over large-scale rallies.
The approach aims to create meaningful interactions with voters at the grassroots level.
She noted that the strategy is intended to ensure no village is left behind, adding that people want to see and talk to their leaders, ask questions, and feel part of the process.
Supporters describe her as accessible and well-acquainted with the local communities.
Peter Emuron, an NRM mobilizer in Bugondo, said Adoa has always been approachable.
He added that they know her, she knows their villages, and she has been their voice in Kampala.
However, her rivals have not shied away from criticism.
Esther Lucy Acom has accused Adoa of sidelining certain areas and promised a leadership approach centered on accountability, job creation, and education.
Speaking during a mobilization event in Kyere Sub-county, Acom said the people need leaders who are accountable and vowed to serve the people, not enrich herself.
Florence Iyogil, the other contender, has focused on fostering unity within the party, warning that internal wrangles could weaken NRM’s standing in the general election.
In a recent radio interview, she emphasized the importance of peaceful competition and urged NRM members to remember that they are one party.
She said the people will choose their leader, but members must remain united after the primaries.
Serere District NRM Chairperson, Michael Olobo, welcomed the launch of formal campaigns but warned aspirants against acts of indiscipline.
He stated that NRM stands for peace, democracy, and development, and emphasized the need for a fair and transparent primary process.
He also warned that any candidate inciting violence or bribing voters would face disqualification by the party’s electoral commission.
Adoa also used the occasion to appeal for calm and civility among her supporters. She reminded them that Serere is one family and described the competition as healthy.
She called on her supporters to conduct a peaceful campaign and show the rest of Uganda that Serere can campaign without fighting or the use of bad language.
The NRM primaries are expected to be a litmus test for Adoa’s popularity and the strength of her grassroots network as the battle for the party flag intensifies in Serere.