Presidential campaigns: Here is what Oyam residents want

By Nelson Mandela Muhoozi, Joseph Ekol and Hudson Apunyo 

OYAM - After taking a break off the campaign trail to attend to state duties, National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flagbearer and the incumbent, President Yoweri Museveni, resumed his campaigns in Oyam and Pakwach districts in Uganda's north on Tuesday (October 7).

In Oyam, his first stop of the day, excitement filled the air as residents as local entertainers ignited the crowds at the Booma grounds, where Museveni would address a rally.

Supporters chanted pro-NRM songs while waving flags and posters. Some shared their views on the gains and expectations from the ruling party.

Supporters chanted pro-NRM songs while waving flags and posters. Some shared their views on the gains and expectations from the ruling party. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

Dr David Isaac Oketch, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) coordinator for Lango sub-region, said the people of Oyam appreciate the government’s initiatives, especially under the Parish Development Model (PDM), but urged more investment in local infrastructure.

“If President Museveni is given the mandate to lead the country for the next five years, we want to see improvement in our infrastructure, especially roads and health centres, and the establishment of more seed schools," he said.

Adding: “The Parish Development Model funds are being used well, but we still need more equipment such as road graders to boost our local development.”

Oketch said an improved road network would help farmers access markets and support youth participation in economic programmes.

Jane Francis Achiro, the NRM Woman MP flagbearer for Oyam district, commended the mobilisation efforts that have seen a huge turnout for the President’s visit.
But she, too, noted that the district still lags in key infrastructure. 

“Our main challenge is infrastructure. We have only about 30 kilometres of paved roads, and only about 20 percent of households are connected to electricity."

Achiro said Oyam ranks among the best-performing districts in the implementation of the PDM but hopes the President’s next term, if he is re-elected, will address the gaps in roads and energy connectivity.

“We are proud of our PDM performance, but we look forward to seeing more investment in roads and electricity for our people."

Security

Former Lira and Alebtong legislator Rebecca Otengo, who also served as Minister for Northern Uganda, recalled the days when Oyam was gripped by insecurity caused by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

She credited Museveni’s leadership and the late Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola for restoring peace. 

“In the past, this area was very insecure because of the LRA rebels,” said Otengo, noting that Museveni’s command and the hard work of people like the late Engola brought peace to the region.

 

Otengo added that the government has since rehabilitated schools and roads, allowing people to resume productive livelihoods. 

“People are now home doing different jobs and implementing the PDM. The foundation of everything we have achieved is peace and security. The next step should be industrialisation and skilling, to give youth meaningful employment.”

Otengo also praised Uganda’s participation in regional peace missions, noting that it enhances the country’s continental influence. 

“The President’s efforts in Somalia, DR Congo, and other parts of Africa show leadership. But here at home, our greatest gain remains peace and stability."

 More work lies ahead

Benson Walter Dila, the Oyam district chairperson, said Lango sub-region has experienced lasting peace under Museveni’s leadership after years of turmoil.

“Lango sub-region had never enjoyed peace before President Museveni came to power. Many people had fled their homes, and nearly half of Oyam’s population was living in camps. But under his command, peace returned, and people rebuilt their lives,” he said.

Dila expressed optimism that if the NRM government retains power, Oyam will see further improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

“We didn’t have schools or proper roads before, now we do. But we still need more support. Oyam is a large district with over 500,000 people, so the 100 million shillings allocated per parish under the PDM is not enough. We also want the district to be divided for easier administration,” he said.