Arua, Uganda | Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called on Lionel Alionzi to deliver exceptional leadership, emphasising service delivery, unity, and economic transformation as key priorities for Arua City.
Speaking during celebrations to mark Alionzi’s election victory, Tayebwa described the mayor-elect as an important ambassador for young people, noting that his leadership should reflect the growing influence of youth in governance.
He said West Nile has increasingly distinguished itself as a cradle of young leadership, citing leaders such as Maureen Osoru and Charity Irene Alupo Lenia, and expressed confidence that the region will continue to produce more leaders in the years ahead.
Tayebwa urged Alionzi to remain humble, work with leaders across the political divide, and promote reconciliation to ensure unity in the region.
“As mayor, he will be leading one of the most strategic cities in our country, given its proximity to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan,” Tayebwa said.
He also commended the people of West Nile for their support for President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement in the January elections, attributing it to confidence in the party’s vision.
While noting that Arua is a vibrant economic hub, Tayebwa cautioned against reliance on smuggling, stressing that sustainable development must be anchored on ethical and lawful business practices.
“With the connection to the national grid, leaders should prioritise transforming Arua into an industrial city. It is time to move beyond trading to manufacturing and build real industrial capacity,” he said.
He further highlighted the region’s potential to tap into markets in neighbouring countries, given its strategic location.
On agriculture, Tayebwa called on leaders to mobilise farmers to shift from low-value crops such as tobacco and cotton to high-value crops like coffee and cocoa, positioning agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.
He also reaffirmed government commitment to infrastructure development, citing projects such as the Karuma Bridge and Pakwach Bridge as critical to improving connectivity and boosting trade in the region.
Alionzi, an electrical engineer and former Guild President of Makerere University, is expected to assume office amid high expectations from both leaders and residents.