Arua City, Uganda – May 21, 2025 — Arua City will now operate under its former divisions of Oli and Arua Hill for the purposes of internal mobilization activities by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), according to a declaration by Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Salim Kumakech.
This development comes in the wake of a high-level meeting between key political leaders from Arua and the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong. The meeting, held earlier this week, reportedly aimed to strengthen the party's grassroots structures and streamline preparations ahead of internal party elections.
RCC Kumakech, while confirming the decision in an interview yesterday, clarified that this restructuring is strictly an internal party initiative.
He emphasized that no administrative structures are being created and firmly warned individuals or groups against attempting to establish Local Council III (LC3) election frameworks under the new mobilization format.
“This is purely an NRM internal mobilization strategy,” Kumakech stated. “It does not mean any new administrative units are being formed.
Let no one be misled or try to parade themselves as LC3 aspirants under these divisions.”The RCC further addressed recent concerns raised by residents and political observers regarding NRM’s earlier move to revert to seven political divisions in Ayivu. He reiterated that this approach is aimed at enhancing political coordination and effectiveness within the party, not altering the existing governance structures.
“This is all about organizing better for our party’s internal elections and strengthening our presence on the ground. It has nothing to do with creating new government administrative areas,” Kumakech affirmed.The announcement is expected to influence the upcoming NRM grassroots elections and could shape the dynamics of political engagement across Arua City, especially in light of increasing competition and mobilization efforts ahead of the 2026 general elections.
