The son of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Kwame Rugunda has been officially nominated by the NRM Electoral Commission for the role of National General Secretary of the NRM Entrepreneurs League. Following his nomination, Rugunda articulated a bold three-point agenda aimed at transforming the league into a dynamic player in Uganda’s political and economic spheres.
A new vision for the league
Rugunda spoke with passion, highlighting his dedication to organizing, energizing, and revolutionizing the NRM Entrepreneurs League. He characterized the platform as having “enormous potential.” He further noted that even after existing for over two decades, the forum has yet to fully realize its potential, and its impact is still to be felt. Thus, he committed to bolstering its internal structures, beginning with the creation of a functional register and establishing systems to enhance the league’s efficacy and vibrancy.
“The League should claim the position it rightfully holds in our nation,” Rugunda asserted. “There is considerable work ahead — not only in organizing but also in energizing and revolutionizing.”
His second priority focuses on amplifying the voice of entrepreneurs in national policymaking and decision-making spheres. He highlighted the necessity of having formal representation for entrepreneurs in important governance frameworks, comparing this to the presence of other special interest groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), all of whom have designated MPs and representation at the local government level.
“We often proclaim that the private sector is the engine of the economy — I contend that the entrepreneur is the driving force behind the private sector,” he emphasized. “It is time for entrepreneurs to be included at the decision-making table.”
Kwame’s third priority within his agenda is aimed at boosting initiatives to grow Uganda’s economy. This aligns with the government’s ambitious objective of increasing the economy from 50 billion USD to 500 billion USD within the next 15 years. He underscored the dual function of the NRM Entrepreneurs League as both a political mobilization entity and an economic development arm of the party.
“In order to secure the peace and stability that the NRM government has established over the past decades, economic expansion is crucial,” he stated. “Moreover, this growth must be inclusive — fostering an economy that does not leave anyone behind.”
Evidently, Kwame Rugunda’s candidacy signifies a fresh vision for the NRM Entrepreneurs League, grounded in inclusive growth, representation, and the promotion of entrepreneurship as a fundamental element of national development.
