Katakwi, Uganda | Leaders in Katakwi District have reaffirmed their support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, praising his government for restoring peace and spearheading development in the region.
At a rally over the weekend, NRM Katakwi Chairman John Robert Okiror assured President Museveni of 100% voter support in the upcoming elections.
He highlighted the district’s achievements under Museveni’s leadership, including the restoration of peace, and lauded programs such as Emyoga, PDM, and YLP for contributing to poverty eradication.
Okiror also commended the appointments of Teso natives, including Vice President Jessica Alupo and Minister Peter Ogwang, and requested the President to facilitate the creation of Toroma District, which would be carved out of Katakwi.
Representing NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, Dr. Tanga Odoi praised Minister Ogwang and Vice President Alupo for providing meals to residents during the rally.
He noted that the reunion of Ogwang and Alupo at the event symbolized strengthened party unity.
David Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda, described Katakwi as a “special district” that has historically delivered massive votes for Museveni and pledged to mobilize Teso voters to support the President in the 2026 elections.
He lauded the establishment of youth skilling centers, calling them transformative for the district’s young population, but urged government action on pressing local issues, including delayed cattle compensation and poor road networks.
Vice President and NRM Flagbearer for women MPs, Jessica Alupo Epel, praised the President for bringing peace to the district and establishing Soroti University.
She appreciated government programs aimed at eradicating poverty and assured residents that she and Minister Ogwang have no conflicts. Alupo pledged transparency and accountability among government appointees in the region.
President Museveni, speaking during his third day of rallies in Teso, thanked the people of Katakwi and the entire Teso sub-region for their continued trust and support.
He emphasized that his government is focused on peace, development, and wealth creation, urging residents to embrace government programs to fight poverty.
He highlighted that UGX 159 billion had already been distributed and pledged continued support through initiatives like PDM and Emyooga, noting that his plan to give five cattle per household is meant to empower families and eliminate poverty.
Museveni also emphasized the importance of unity and hard work among the people, stressing that government initiatives succeed only when citizens actively participate in their own development.
He reiterated that the NRM had brought peace to the region, defeated rebels, and recovered over 21,000 guns from Karamoja.
The President highlighted government achievements in telecommunication, transport, electricity, water, schools, and hospitals, and called for Teso to focus on progress and development rather than past political differences.
Echodu described recent reconciliations among local leaders as a result of persistent dialogue, forgiveness, and dedication to unity, calling it a turning point for Teso politics.
Observers noted that the rally symbolized renewed hope for regional cohesion, with chants of “Teso United for Museveni” echoing across Katakwi Boma Grounds.
Vice President Alupo encouraged collective responsibility between leaders and citizens, stressing that development is a partnership.
She confirmed that government remains committed to resolving the Angisa and Okore land disputes, with the President expected to meet affected communities and leaders to ensure lasting solutions.
Despite these achievements, district leaders appealed for targeted government investment to sustain economic growth.
They called for the tarmacking of key road networks, including the Soroti-Amuria-Obalanga-Acan Pii Road and Atirir-Orungo-Obalanga Road, and requested the establishment of an Industrial and Value-Addition Park in Dokolo-Asamuk Sub-county to process local produce such as cassava, simsim, and oilseeds, creating jobs and boosting farmers’ incomes.
The memorandum also urged the government to elevate Ogolai Technical Institute to a diploma-awarding institution, upgrade Orungo Health Centre III to Health Centre IV, support coding programs in community primary schools, desilt 28 community dams, and expedite the cattle rehabilitation program to strengthen the district’s agricultural base.
Amuria district leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the NRM government and President Museveni’s vision for socio-economic transformation, pledging to mobilize communities through village-based strategies to ensure overwhelming support for the President, targeting a 95% victory in the upcoming elections.
