State Minister for Fisheries and Serere District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Hellen Adoa, has officially launched her re-election campaign aimed at reclaiming the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag ahead of the party primaries.
The campaign, dubbed “Village to Village,” was launched today across Villages today in Bugondo Sub County in Serere District, drawing crowds of supporters, local leaders, and party structures.
Minister Adoa says the approach is designed to take her message directly to ordinary citizens, mobilizing support at the grassroots and addressing the challenges voters face.
“This ‘Village to Village’ campaign is about listening to the people and working with them to develop our district. It is about unity, peace, and development,” Adoa said during her launch event.
“We must make sure that Serere remains firmly in the hands of the NRM.”
The campaign signals the start of what is expected to be an intense contest for the NRM ticket in the upcoming primaries.
Adoa faces two opponents: Esther Lucy Acom and Florence Iyogil, both of whom have already declared their intentions to unseat her in the ruling party primaries.
Observers say the race is likely to test party cohesion in the district.
Adoa, who has served as Serere District Woman MP since 2016 and was reappointed as State Minister for Fisheries in the current cabinet, is banking on her record in government and her ties to President Museveni’s administration to sway voters.
In her speech, she highlighted her achievements over the past term, including lobbying for improved health services, supporting education initiatives, and promoting fisheries and agricultural projects in Serere.
“I am proud of what we have achieved together,” she told supporters.
“We have improved health facilities. We have supported our farmers with training and programs. We have worked to ensure our women and youth are empowered.”
The “Village to Village” concept reflects an increasingly common campaign approach in Uganda’s rural politics.
Rather than relying on large rallies alone, candidates move door to door, engaging small community meetings, listening sessions, and village-level rallies.
“This strategy is meant to make sure no village is left behind,” Adoa said.
“People want to see their leaders close up. They want to ask questions, share their problems, and feel part of the process.”
Supporters of Adoa say her personal engagement style and long-standing connection to local leaders give her an advantage over her rivals.
“Hon. Adoa has always been approachable,” said Peter Emuron, an NRM mobilizer in Bugondo Sub-county.
“We know her. She knows our villages. She has been our voice in Kampala.”
However, her opponents have accused her of neglecting some areas and are promising a new brand of leadership.
Esther Lucy Acom, one of Adoa’s challengers, has been mobilizing youth and women’s groups, promising to focus on job creation and education.
She has also called for transparency and accountability in the use of government funds in Serere.
“We need leaders who are accountable,” Acom told a recent gathering in Kyere Sub-county. “I am here to serve the people, not to enrich myself.”
Florence Iyogil, another contender, has emphasized unity and reconciliation within the NRM ranks in Serere, warning against internal divisions that could cost the party support in the general election.
“Let us compete peacefully. Let us remember we are all NRM,” she said in a radio interview recently. “The people will choose, but we must remain united after the primaries.”
NRM district leaders have welcomed the start of formal campaigns but urged aspirants to maintain discipline and respect party guidelines.
Serere District NRM Chairperson Olobo Michael called on candidates to avoid personal attacks and incitement, saying the party will not tolerate violence or defamation.
“The NRM is about peace, democracy, and development,” Olobo said.
“We want a fair, transparent primary process. Whoever wins will carry our flag and must be supported by all members.”
He also warned that the party’s electoral commission will disqualify any aspirant found inciting violence or bribing voters.
During her launch, Adoa also delivered a message of peace to her supporters, asking them to avoid clashes with rival camps and to focus on sharing her development agenda.
“We are one family in Serere,” she said.
“Our competition is healthy. Let us show Uganda that Serere can campaign peacefully. We don’t want to see fighting or bad language.”
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