Lira, Uganda | Leaders in Lango subregion have intensified mobilisation efforts ahead of a thanksgiving ceremony in honour of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni following his victory in the 2026 general elections.
Senior Presidential Advisor on Lango Affairs and Erute South MP-elect Sam Engola has urged all subcounties to turn up in large numbers for the event scheduled for April 18 at Lango College. Engola, who also serves as vice chairperson of the organising committee, said preparations are on course, noting that the function will begin at 8:00am.
He explained that the thanksgiving ceremony is intended to appreciate the people of Lango for overwhelmingly supporting Museveni in the just concluded elections, adding that attendance is open to all residents regardless of political affiliation. The event is being coordinated jointly with Joseph Ocwet, Director of the External Security Organization.
Earlier, Lira City Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole said the President’s visit is aimed at celebrating what he described as unprecedented support from the region. He noted that the backing cut across political lines, including supporters of the Uganda People’s Congress and other parties, signalling a shift in the subregion’s political landscape.
Security agencies have heightened preparedness ahead of the visit, with Police confirming elaborate deployment plans. North Kyoga Police spokesperson Jimmy Patrick Okema said designated parking for the public will be at Adyel Boarding Primary School to ease traffic flow, while access to the main venue will be restricted to authorised persons. He added that surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras, will be operational to ensure safety.
In the January 15 polls, Museveni secured about 83.9% of the vote in Lango, compared to approximately 11.17% for his main challenger Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. Nationally, the President garnered 71.65% of the total valid votes.
Leaders say the Thanksgiving event is expected to draw thousands of residents and will underscore renewed political engagement between the government and the Lango subregion.