Why Museveni will sweep 90% of Teso votes

__________________

OPINION

By Justin Ojangole

In November 2024, I travelled from Kampala to Wera in Amuria District, Eastern Uganda, for the burial of our gallant brother, Onapito Ekomoloit (RIP). My friend Maureen, who hails from Kabale in western Uganda and was also close to the late Onapito, joined me on the journey. We agreed to meet in Soroti, since she had last visited the area six years ago.

While I took the Tirinyi–Pallisa–Kumi route, she ignorantly chose to drive through Tirinyi–Mbale–Kumi road, fearing to use marrum roads. On our way back, however, Maureen also changed her route and followed mine. Two days later, when we met for our usual morning run in Nalya, she asked me a question that has stayed in my mind ever since:

“Justin, what exactly did you Iteso do to Museveni? I have travelled across Uganda, but I have not seen a region with such good roads. I drove from Kampala to Onapito’s village without stepping off the tarmac!”

Her question perfectly captures what many visitors to Teso feel today. Indeed, as presidential campaigns gain momentum across Uganda, and candidates make fresh promises, the people of Teso can look back and see a leader who has delivered on his word.

Unlike other candidates who only talk about what they will do, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign is grounded in what he has done, and what was clearly documented in his 2021–2025 Manifesto. In Teso, the results speak for themselves.

For years, the people of Teso lived in fear due to insecurity and cattle rustling by Karimojong warriors. Those days are gone. During a recent visit to Kapelebyong District (courtesy of Hon. Ofwono Opondo invitation), once a hotspot of insecurity, I was struck by how normal life has become. People go about their activities freely, thanks to the sustained peace and security under President Museveni’s leadership.

Teso now boasts of one of the best road networks in Uganda, connecting the sub-region smoothly to neighbouring areas and even across borders. This infrastructure development has opened new opportunities for trade, agriculture, and tourism.

President Museveni has also demonstrated rare generosity towards the people of Teso in political representation. The number two and three positions in the country, the Vice President and Speaker of Parliament, are held by proud Iteso: Rt. Hon. Jessica Alupo and Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among.

Additionally, Teso leaders occupy key Government positions. The President has supported the construction of the Iteso Cultural Palace in Soroti and maintained a warm friendship with the Iteso Cultural Leader, His Highness Papa Sande Emolot. These gestures reflect not only inclusiveness but deep respect for Teso’s cultural heritage. Soroti University, various poverty alleviation programmes and Soroti fruit factory are some of the government projects that will make President Museveni win Teso votes by a landslide.  

With such achievements, the political machinery in Teso, led by seasoned leaders like Vice President Jessica Alupo, Speaker Anita Among, Gen. Jeje Odong, Hon. Peter Ogwang, Hon. Hellen Adoa,  new NRM eastern flag bearer Paul Echodu and upcoming NRM Members of Parliament will undoubtedly find it easy to deliver an overwhelming victory for the NRM candidate. These are leaders with a good track record and loyalty to the party’s vision.

Having known Speaker Anita Among personally from her days as a lecturer at MUBS, I can attest that she is a determined and result-oriented leader. When she sets out to accomplish a project, she ensures it succeeds. She fully understands and promotes the President’s ideological direction, ensuring that the NRM remains rooted in the values of patriotism, unity, and socio-economic transformation.

Based on these facts, my projection is that President Museveni will secure about 90% of the vote in Teso during the upcoming presidential elections. This overwhelming support will be a genuine “thank you” from the people of Teso for the peace, infrastructure, empowerment, and inclusion they continue to enjoy.

As other regions assess their own progress, I am confident they will equally reward the President for his remarkable record in infrastructure, health, education, wealth creation, job opportunities, science, technology, and innovation. My appeal to all NRM cadres and people of goodwill is to actively publicise President Museveni’s achievements that are visible everywhere. By sharing these success stories in their communities and on all platforms, Ugandans will better understand and appreciate what has been achieved under his leadership.

At this crucial moment in our nation’s journey, my humble appeal to all Ugandans, regardless of political belief, is to engage in peaceful, issue-based campaigns. Elections should be a celebration of democracy, not division. Let us unite in building the Uganda we all desire, stable, progressive, and prosperous, under a shared vision of peace and development.

The author is a publisher