The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, has urged health workers in Nwoya District to support political leaders who genuinely understand and advocate for their welfare.
Todwong made the call on Thursday while addressing doctors, paramedics, nurses, Village Health Teams (VHTs), support staff and other medical personnel at Pope Paul VI Memorial School in Anaka Town Council.
In his address, Todwong reflected on Uganda’s political history, contrasting the turbulent era of former President Idi Amin with the stability enjoyed under the NRM government led by President Yoweri Museveni. He noted that the country has transitioned from a period marked by arbitrary arrests, killings and widespread fear to one characterised by peace, freedom of speech and relative stability.
He urged health workers to elect leaders who are capable of effectively lobbying for better working conditions, improved welfare and enhanced service delivery in the health sector. According to Todwong, meaningful representation is essential to ensuring that government programmes and resources positively impact frontline workers.
Highlighting government commitment to healthcare, Todwong revealed that Nwoya District’s annual wage bill stands at Shs18 billion, with Shs6 billion allocated to scientists. He cautioned health workers against taking such investments for granted, stressing that they are the result of deliberate policy decisions by the NRM government.
The NRM Secretary General further warned medics against politicians who appear only during election seasons to solicit votes. Instead, he encouraged them to support leaders who are passionate about development, dedicated to public service and aligned with government programmes aimed at transforming communities.
Todwong concluded by reaffirming the NRM’s commitment to improving the welfare of health workers and strengthening health service delivery across the country.
