Political leaders from Arua City and the wider West Nile sub-region have credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for maintaining peace and supporting infrastructure and development in the region.
The remarks followed a Sunday meeting of the NRM District Campaign Task Force in Arua City ahead of President Museveni’s campaign rally scheduled for Monday.
Hon. Atima Jackson Lee Buti, Member of Parliament for Arua Central Division and Government Regional Whip for West Nile, said the region was ready to receive the President.
“As a host and NRM flag bearer, I want to welcome His Excellency to Arua and call upon all our supporters to come in big numbers.We are going to vote for him again because of the enormous achievements ushered in by the NRM government, especially peace and stability.”Atima said.
Atima said Uganda has enjoyed relative peace under Museveni’s leadership, which has enabled citizens to conduct business and travel freely. He also pointed to improvements in infrastructure, including the tarmacking of major roads and installation of modern street lighting in Arua City.
“If you go to the city centre, you see paved roads and street lights it feels like you are in London,” he remarked.
The MP noted that the extension of the national electricity grid to West Nile in August last year had boosted industrial growth. He also cited investments in the health sector, including two regional referral hospitals in Arua and Yumbe, and new facilities such as blood banks and intensive care units.
Atima further praised the Parish Development Model (PDM), saying Arua City alone has received over UGX 16 billion through the initiative.
“PDM is transforming household incomes,” he said, adding that more community members were now engaged in income-generating activities.
Lenia Charity Kevin, the NRM flag bearer for Vurra County, described the recent power connection as a “game-changer” but urged government to prioritize industrialization and job creation for young people.
“We are grateful for the electricity, but now we need industries so that our youth can get employment,” she said.
Lenia also called for the establishment of a skilling hub in Arua District to supplement the existing one in Zombo, and appealed for increased government support to farming cooperatives and value addition.
“Our farmers need better tools, cooperative support, and access to markets,” she added.
She said the construction of a second referral hospital in Arua District would improve access to health services, given the area’s growing population.
On the Parish Development Model, Lenia said more households needed to be mobilized to benefit from the initiative, noting that challenges of low household income persist.
Meanwhile, Hajjat Medina Naham Ojale, the NRM Director of Finance, said preparations were complete for Monday’s rallies in Madi-Okollo and Arua City, where large turnouts are expected.
“We are hosting three in one the President, the NRM Chairman, and the Presidential Candidate all in His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.The enthusiasm here is overwhelming.”,she said .
Hajjat Medina pointed to progress in peace, road connectivity, power supply, and health services under the NRM government, and highlighted the Parish Development Model as a key driver of local development.
She also referenced ongoing government compensation for tobacco farmers and ex-servicemen as part of efforts to support livelihoods.
The rallies in Arua and Madi-Okollo are part of President Museveni’s campaign activities as he seeks re-election.