By Nathan Eyagu 

Serere District — The political tempo in Serere District has risen sharply as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) heads into the final stretch before party primaries. All eyes are now on Minister Hellen Adoa, who drew massive crowds during her village-to-village campaign in Kamusala, Kateta Sub-County — an event that has not only energized her supporters but also sent a strong signal to her rivals.

The Woman MP for Serere District, Adoa is seeking to retain her position on the NRM ticket in the July 17, 2025 party primaries. Her campaign trail through Kateta has ignited fresh momentum, with residents turning up in large numbers to express their support, dancing, waving banners, and chanting slogans that affirmed her growing grassroots popularity.

Addressing the crowd, Adoa thanked the people of Kateta for their continued trust and confidence in her leadership. She emphasized her commitment to inclusive development and reassured voters that she remains focused on addressing core community challenges.

"I am not just a leader during elections. I am with you in the planting season, in the dry spells, and when children need to go back to school. We’ve walked this journey together, and I promise to continue being your voice,” she said.

Minister Adoa highlighted her achievements in education, health, and social welfare as key pillars of her service delivery. She has spearheaded the renovation of classrooms across the district, ensuring students learn in better environments. She has also facilitated the provision of scholastic materials to schools and championed campaigns aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies — a challenge that has long affected the youth in Serere. Through community engagement programs, she has raised awareness on the dangers of early pregnancies and mobilized resources to support affected girls.

In addition, Adoa has been at the forefront of fighting drug abuse among the youth. She has organized youth dialogues and partnered with local leaders to implement prevention and rehabilitation programs. These efforts aim to curb substance abuse, which has contributed to social problems and hindered youth productivity in the district.

On the health front, Adoa has organized free medical camps providing essential services such as cancer screening, maternal health care, and HIV testing. These camps have reached remote communities that previously lacked access to such health care, improving overall health outcomes.

Under her leadership, several communities in Serere have benefited from government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), which empower women, youth, and farmers through skills training and direct support.

Political observers say Adoa’s strong showing in Kateta has added pressure on her competitors, some of whom are rethinking their strategies. While the party primaries are still days away, her ability to rally crowds and maintain a consistent presence in the community could give her a significant edge.

Despite her popularity, the campaign trail has not been without criticism. Some opponents accuse her of using government resources unfairly and being overly confident. However, supporters say her track record speaks louder than such claims.

“She is one of the few leaders who doesn’t disappear after elections. She’s built schools, brought medical services, supported youth groups, and continues to engage with the community. That’s why we trust her,” said Rose Achen, a resident of Kyere.

With the party primaries approaching, the race for the NRM flag in Serere District promises to be competitive. However, if crowd reception and grassroots energy are anything to go by, Minister Adoa may well be ahead of the pack.

As campaigns intensify across the district, the message from Kateta is clear — the electorate is watching, and performance on the ground could be the ultimate decider.