By Nathan Eyagu 

Serere District — In a groundbreaking show of unity and grassroots empowerment, NRM flag bearer for Pingire County, Philip Oucor, today led a historic flag handover ceremony that has been hailed as a fresh wave of political organization and renewed party strength in the region.

The event, held in Labori Sub-county, attracted NRM leaders from LC1 to district level, along with hundreds of enthusiastic supporters. The ceremony marked the first time in Pingire that a parliamentary flag bearer personally convened all party leaders and officially handed over NRM flags to them a gesture district leaders described as both symbolic and transformative.

Serere District NRM Chairperson, Olobo Micheal, applauded Oucor’s exceptional leadership move, emphasizing that such voluntary mobilization strengthens the party’s coordination from the grassroots upward.

“This is a great venture of solidarity. A flag bearer who mobilizes leaders from villages to the sub-county on his own initiative shows the true spirit of NRM. This level of organization simplifies our work and strengthens our vote mobilization,” Olobo stated.

He encouraged residents to ignore individuals spreading claims that the NRM is weakening, reaffirming that the party remains strong and united.

In his keynote address, Philip Oucor described the event as a demonstration of the leadership values he draws from President Yoweri Museveni magnanimity, consistency, and service to the people.

“I am a passionate leader. I think about my people, I sleep thinking about my people. What we have done here has never happened before,” Oucor said.

“Our strength as NRM is rooted in the grassroots the village leaders, parish leaders, and sub-county leaders. When we unite, a lot can be achieved.”

Oucor emphasized that his goal is to ensure that NRM flag bearers at every administrative level are fully prepared to mobilize their communities and consolidate support across all parishes in Pingire County.

He thanked the district NRM leadership for embracing the initiative and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering victory for the party from the bottom up.

During the ceremony, Oucor issued a stern warning to NRM leaders who are covertly supporting independent candidates, noting that such actions undermine party cohesion.

He urged residents to remain confident despite the heightened presence of security operatives in the region, clarifying that the deployment is aimed at preventing violence and safeguarding public order.

District representatives reminded leaders that the NRM flag symbolizes the party’s long journey, resilience, and achievements over the decades.

They urged newly flagged leaders to treat it with dignity and uphold the values it represents, noting that the party has guided the county and country through significant transformation.

Oucor highlighted three key pillars of his campaign, which he believes are central to uplifting the people of Pingire:

1. Improving Household Livelihoods

He pledged to support families and community groups through associations, VSLA circles, and local projects, complementing government programs like PDM and Emyooga.

2. Reviving the Education Sector

Citing alarming dropout rates—where 78 percent of pupils do not complete P7—Oucor vowed to mobilize communities to support schools and keep children enrolled.

3. Strengthening Health Services

He announced the rollout of a free mobile clinic that will tour every village in Pingire, offering free testing and medication.

“As we talk about elections next year, our people must remain alive and healthy,” he noted.

The clinic has already begun operations and received overwhelming turnout at its stop in Labori and others as it continues around different areas across Pingire County.

The ceremony signaled a new chapter for NRM in Pingire County one built on unity, visibility, and strengthened grassroots structures as Oucor vowed to continue mobilizing and supporting communities as the party prepares for the upcoming elections.

“This is our opportunity to work together, to serve our people, and to protect the gains NRM has achieved over the last 40 years,” he concluded.