Opposition leaders in Oyam district rally behind candidate Museveni

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President Yoweri Museveni drew hundreds of enthusiastic supporters to a vibrant campaign rally at Booma Grounds in Oyam District, where he was joined by unexpected allies from opposition parties.

The event, marked by a celebratory photo moment, saw opposition leaders publicly pledge their support for Museveni’s re-election bid, citing his transformative development initiatives in the region.

Bosco Onyok Ogwal, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chairperson for Oyam District, warmly welcomed the President, lauding his leadership for driving poverty eradication through various development programs. 

Ogwal specifically highlighted the President’s directive to construct Akii-Bua Stadium, set to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which he said would spur infrastructure improvements, including the tarmacking of the Aboke-Ngai-Bobi road. 

“This stadium is more than a sports facility. It is a catalyst for economic growth and connectivity,” Ogwal remarked.

On behalf of Oyam’s residents, Ogwal made a heartfelt plea for the government to establish a secondary school in memory of the 300 lives lost to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Abok Sub-County. 

President Yoweri Museveni with UPC and FDC leaders who joined his campaign. Left is John Bosco Onyik, the NRM district chairman.

He also urged the creation of Aber District from Oyam to bring services closer to the people and enhance governance, alongside elevating Oyam Health Centre IV (HCIV) to a district hospital to address critical healthcare needs.

Hamson Obua, the Government Chief Whip and NRM Northern Vice Chairman, declared that Northern Uganda—encompassing Lango, Acholi, and West Nile, has united in its resolve to overwhelmingly vote for Museveni. 

Obua credited the President with introducing wealth-creating initiatives that have served as a 'magic bullet' for poverty eradication. 

Chris Ongom, a UPC leader declaring his intention to campaign for president Yoweri Museveni.

In a surprising turn, Chris Ongom, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda and a councilor for Acaba Sub-County, announced his decision to mobilise votes for Museveni following a court ruling that barred his party from the presidential race.

“This is a rally for serious business,” Ongom stated, emphasising that Museveni is the most qualified candidate to lead Uganda. 

He committed to ensuring that Oyam delivers a strong mandate for the President, joined by other UPC members, including district executive Max Odongo.

Jane Frances Acilo, the NRM flag bearer and Oyam Woman MP, echoed the sentiment, underscoring Museveni’s 'uncountable achievements' in the district.

She urged voters to return the President to office to continue driving development, while reiterating the call to upgrade Oyam HCIV to a district hospital in his next term.

Chris Ongom, a prominent UPC leader in Lango Sub-region.

The rally also saw prominent opposition figures, including Brian Oguti Jatim, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Chairperson for Oyam and Regional Coordinator for Northern Uganda, joining Museveni for a symbolic photo moment.

Their presence underscored a growing coalition of support across party lines that has been observed in various districts in Lango sub-region.

In the middle of the president's address, NRM supporters braved the rain that briefly interrupted the rally. 

The President briefly left the podium to seek shelter from the rain but returned after about 10 minutes to resume.