Dokolo, Uganda | The National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary flagbearer for Dokolo North, Joseph Jones Ogwal, has outlined an ambitious development agenda as his campaign tour moved through Okwalongwen Subcounty.
Speaking at rallies in Abalang and Akwanga parishes on Monday, Ogwal said his leadership would prioritise the needs of residents, pledging what he described as a “people-first” approach to governance.
He said his focus would be on improving access to health care, clean water, electricity and skills training.
Ogwal said he would lobby for the establishment of a Health Centre IV in Dokolo North, noting that the constituency currently has no such facility.
He also promised to push for the drilling of boreholes in every village to address persistent shortages of safe drinking water.
On infrastructure, the NRM flagbearer said President Yoweri Museveni had committed to upgrading the 43-kilometre Dokolo–Bata–Abako–Aloi road to tarmac standard.
He added that electricity extension is already underway in parts of the subcounty, assuring residents that power would reach more villages in the near future.
Ogwal defended the Parish Development Model (PDM), a flagship government wealth-creation programme, saying it is already transforming rural livelihoods.
He dismissed claims by opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi that the initiative had failed, arguing that challenges around repayment should instead be addressed through increased funding and longer recovery periods.
He also pointed to recent changes to the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE), saying the reduction of the eligibility age to 65 years and the increase in monthly payments to 35,000 shillings had brought relief to older people.
Education and skills development featured prominently in Ogwal’s pledges.
He said land had already been secured for a youth and adult skilling centre and promised to sponsor five doctors and 30 nurses from the constituency.
He also committed to expanding scholarships for primary seven leavers and improving overall academic performance.
Local leaders expressed confidence in Ogwal’s prospects, Okwalongwen Subcounty GISO Jackson Olelo said the NRM candidate had already secured strong support, urging residents to channel their demands through formal structures after the elections.
LCIII chairperson Okuta Peter said his subcounty would deliver overwhelming support for Ogwal, citing progress in electricity line installation.
Ogwal ended his address by calling for unity behind President Museveni and all NRM candidates, arguing that coordinated political support would speed up the delivery of government programmes and reduce service delivery gaps in Dokolo North.
