Burundi’s Ruling Party Secretary General Arrives in Uganda for NRM National Delegates Conference
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement Strengthens Regional Political Ties
In a significant demonstration of regional political cooperation, Mrs. Benigne Rurahinda, Secretary General of Burundi’s ruling CNDD-FDD party, arrived at Entebbe Airport today ahead of Uganda’s highly anticipated NRM National Delegates Conference. The high-profile visit underscores the growing interconnectedness of East African political movements and their shared governance visions.
Mrs. Rurahinda was warmly received by Major (Rtd) Okwir Rabwoni, the National Resistance Movement’s Director of Youth and Institutions, who extended official hospitality on behalf of the Ugandan ruling party. The welcoming ceremony set the stage for what political analysts are calling a “strategic alignment” between two of East Africa’s most influential political parties.
Warm Welcome and Immediate Engagements
Upon her arrival, Mrs. Rurahinda was greeted with traditional Ugandan hospitality and immediately engaged in preliminary discussions with Major Rabwoni regarding youth engagement strategies and institutional strengthening—areas where both parties have demonstrated particular interest in recent years .
Major Rabwoni, who recently appeared on #TheMightyDrive to discuss Hero’s Day celebrations and Uganda’s political landscape, emphasized the historic partnership between the NRM and CNDD-FDD parties. His role as Director of Youth and Institutions within the NRM structure positions him as a key figure in fostering interparty collaborations across the region .
Kololo Conference: A Gathering of Political Significance
The NRM National Delegates Conference, scheduled for tomorrow at Kololo Independence Grounds, is expected to draw over 20,000 delegates from across Uganda and several neighboring countries . The conference agenda includes critical party matters such as:
· Policy review sessions
· Internal party reforms
· Organizational updates
· Election of leaders for Special Interest Groups
The Special Interest Groups represent various societal sectors including Historical Leaders, Veterans, Entrepreneurs, Workers, Youth, Elders, Persons with Disabilities, and Women . Each group is expected to elect a five-member committee consisting of leadership positions such as Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Secretary for Finance, and Secretary for Publicity .
Regional Political Context
Mrs. Rurahinda’s visit occurs against the backdrop of intensifying political activities across the region. In Burundi, the CNDD-FDD has recently been mobilizing support for the June 2025 elections under the leadership of President Ndayishimiye and Secretary General Ndikuriyo Révérien .
The Burundian party’s vision of an “emergent Burundi by 2040” and “developed Burundi by 2060” aligns with the NRM’s longstanding development agenda in Uganda, creating natural synergies between the two political movements .
Table: Comparative Party Profiles
Aspect Uganda’s NRM Burundi’s CNDD-FDD
Current Leadership Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Evariste Ndayishimiye
Secretary General Richard Todwong Mrs. Benigne Rurahinda
Youth Engagement Director of Youth and Institutions Banyamabanga militants
Political Vision Socio-economic transformation Emergent Burundi by 2040
Conference Attendance 20,000+ delegates Tens of thousands of supporters
Historical Relations and Future Prospects
The relationship between Uganda and Burundi has evolved significantly over the decades, with both countries playing crucial roles in regional stability efforts. The NRM and CNDD-FDD have maintained party-level diplomacy parallel to formal state relations, creating multiple channels for cooperation and exchange.
Major Rabwoni’s leadership in the NRM’s Directorate of Special Organs has previously facilitated capacity building programs, including training for student leaders from Kampala universities in collaboration with the International Republican Institute . This expertise in political education represents valuable knowledge sharing potential for Burundian party officials.
Expert Perspectives
Political analysts suggest that Mrs. Rurahinda’s attendance at the NRM conference signals a deepening commitment to interparty learning and regional political integration. “The exchange of political strategies and governance models between ruling parties in East Africa has become increasingly institutionalized,” noted Dr. Sarah Nyamwiza, a researcher specializing in East African affairs. “These relationships potentially influence policy coordination across sectors from security to economic development.”
The conference also comes at a crucial moment for Uganda’s NRM as it prepares for the 2026 general elections. The event is seen as a strategic move to shape the party’s leadership and direction ahead of the polls .
Looking Ahead
As Mrs. Rurahinda joins the thousands of delegates at Kololo Independence Grounds tomorrow, observers will be watching for any joint declarations or shared initiatives that might emerge from this high-level engagement. The participation of international delegates from neighboring countries adds a significant diplomatic dimension to what is primarily a domestic party event.
The conference proceedings will include elections conducted primarily through lining up behind preferred candidates, except for the Workers’ category which will employ secret ballot voting . The elected leaders will subsequently participate in selecting party flag bearers for various parliamentary positions representing PWDs, Workers, Youth, and Elders .
This event marks another chapter in the ongoing political dialogue between East Africa’s ruling parties, demonstrating how political movements across the region are increasingly looking to each other for inspiration, support, and strategic alignment in governance approaches and party management.
