Museveni given hero’s welcome in Serere, Soroti

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The usually calm towns of Serere, Soroti, and Soroti city burst into colour and excitement on Monday (November 3) as National Resistance Movement (NRM) party supporters lined up along the roads and playgrounds to welcome their 2026 presidential candidate and incumbent, Yoweri Museveni.

The President’s entry into the Teso sub-region marked a grand continuation of his vote-hunting mission in the area, which he entered last week.

The day began in Serere district, where the President’s convoy was greeted by jubilant supporters waving NRM flags and singing party songs.

It was not an ordinary Monday as businesses came to a standstill. People from all walks of life thronged the district headquarters to welcome the ‘old man with a hat’ or “Sevo” as many call him. The air was filled with the rhythmic beats of the Ajosi dance, a signature of Iteso celebrations.

Traditional troupes, elders, and youth danced tirelessly as the President waved to the cheering crowd from his open-roof vehicle.

“His visit to Teso land cannot be complete without the Ajosi dance. Our performance here means that our guest is truly welcome,” said a beaming Kenneth Adyamet, the team leader of the Ajosi dancers in Serere.

The familiar sound of the Akogo, a cherished local instrument, added melody to the atmosphere, drawing smiles from the President, who appeared in high spirits.

Serere, a vibrant district with a mix of fishing communities and urban settlers, lived up to its reputation as a melting pot of cultures.

“He looks younger than the last time I saw him!” exclaimed Bosco Okello Ejwijiw from Pingire.

“The vigour and stability he showed today have erased all doubts that Museveni is too old for the job,” Okello added.

A close look at Museveni revealed a confident, jovial man full of optimism. The thunderous cheers and chants of “NRM Oyee!” that greeted him confirmed that his supporters were fired up for another decisive victory.

District chairperson Charles Olobo thanked the President for appointing sons and daughters of Serere to key government positions and for the programmes that have improved livelihoods.

“We shall vote for you with a big margin,” Olobo assured.

Prominent figures, including the Speaker of Parliament and Bukedea Woman MP Anita Among, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen. Sam Okiding, and State Minister for Fisheries Hellen Adoa, attended the event.

Museveni’s arrival at exactly 12:08 pm was marked by fanfare, as people waved miniature flags and elders raised their walking sticks in salute.

From Serere, the President’s entourage proceeded to Soroti district and later Soroti city, where even larger crowds awaited him.

The Soroti city sports ground was a sea of yellow, filled to capacity in a spectacle reminiscent of the 1993 visit of Pope John Paul II.

Local artistes entertained the massive gathering with songs praising the NRM and the President’s leadership.

The excitement reached fever pitch at 2:53 pm when the sound of helicopter blades filled the sky.

As Museveni’s chopper descended toward the Soroti Flying School, the crowd erupted in joy.

“Adolu, Adolu, Adolu… Papa Museveni ngol ejai toma!” meaning “Our father Museveni has arrived!” shouted William Oriokot from Aukot subcounty, waving his hat in excitement.

In his welcoming remarks, David Calvin Echodu, the NRM vice-chairperson for Eastern Uganda and flagbearer for Soroti City West, informed the President that plans were underway to establish a science university in Soroti on Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) land at Dakabela.

“Through your directive, UBC and the Ministry of ICT are in the final stages of transferring the title so that construction can begin,” Echodu said.

He also revealed plans to build a golf course in Soroti City to promote tourism and recreation.

As the sun dipped low over the plains of Teso, chants of support continued to echo across Soroti.

The day’s events painted a clear picture — Museveni's presence in Teso had rekindled enthusiasm, unity, and a renewed promise of continued transformation under the NRM banner.