Eng Jonard Asiimwe’s Manifesto for NRM CEC Western Regio brings hope for transformation

Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, a seasoned engineer and policy strategist, has officially declared his bid for Vice Chairperson of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) representing Western Uganda, unveiling a bold and comprehensive manifesto aimed at advancing President Museveni’s legacy and accelerating socio-economic transformation.

In his 2025–2030 manifesto titled “Advancing a Legacy of Purposeful Transformation,” Akiiki outlines a strategic action plan rooted in ideological clarity, scientific innovation, and inclusive grassroots mobilization.

The document reflects part of the ruling NRM party’s 2026 campaign theme, “Settle for the Best – Museveni is the Best,” positioning Akiiki as a youthful yet ideologically seasoned mobilizer capable of bridging generational divides within the Movement.

“This is not a pursuit of personal prestige, but a call to action,” Akiiki writes.

“To reignite the NRM’s grassroots engine, to anchor development on scientific and practical foundations, and to renew faith in the Movement through disciplined leadership and inclusive governance.”

Transformative Objectives and National Reach

The manifesto details 11 transformative objectives aligned with Vision 2040 and Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDPIII). Key priorities include:

Agricultural Commercialization: Transitioning 100,000 farmers to commercial models and reducing post-harvest losses by 40%.

Youth Empowerment: Establishing four regional innovation hubs and two digital export labs to create 1,500 jobs and launch 250 tech products into AfCFTA markets.

Creative Economy: Operationalizing 20 regional sports and arts clubs to empower 5,000 youth entrepreneurs.

Mineral Value Addition: Launching beneficiation initiatives in Rubanda, Rukiga, Busia, Kamwenge, and Karamoja with a target of 10,000 jobs.

Border Trade Academies: Training 3,000 SMEs and women traders to formalize cross-border trade in Busia, Katuna, Bunagana, and Elegu.

Other initiatives include a UGX 50 billion Local Content Innovation Fund, civic education campaigns in 30 districts, and a national 1,000 Youth Mentors Program to entrench NRM ideology among young Ugandans.

Akiiki, whose career spans the petroleum, infrastructure, and mining sectors, presents himself as a technocrat grounded in grassroots service.

He holds multiple degrees including a Master’s in Oil and Gas Governance and is currently pursuing a PhD in stakeholder engagement.

His track record includes community-driven projects across Bunyoro, Karamoja, Busia, and Central Uganda — from football sponsorships to textbook distribution and civic radio programming.

He has worked as a consultant on major infrastructure projects, including the Tilenga Oil Project and the Kabaale International Airport, and has advocated for clean industrial technologies such as ESP filters in cement plants.

His business conglomerate, Jonard Group, employs hundreds of Ugandan youth across construction, events, and tech sectors.

A Call for Generational Synergy

Akiiki emphasizes the need for generational harmony within the NRM, portraying himself as a bridge between the Movement’s founders and Uganda’s youthful majority.

With over 75% of the population under 30, he argues that transformative leadership must not only honor legacy but speak to emerging aspirations.

“To carry forward the NRM’s gains, there must be leaders who unite rather than divide—who translate legacy into relevance and mobilize all generations toward a shared vision,” he said.

Looking to 2026 and Beyond

As the party prepares for next months delegates’ conference, Akiiki’s candidacy is viewed by many pundits as a shift toward technocratic, ideology-driven leadership within the party’s top structures.

His manifesto commits to delivering measurable outcomes aligned with national blueprints and contributing to the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

He pledged his loyalty to President Museveni’s leadership and to the Movement’s foundational values, urging Western Uganda to “settle for the best, deliver with purpose, and secure Uganda’s future through visionary, tested, and inclusive leadership.”