Teso UPC officials pledge 99.5% Museveni support

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Leaders and supporters of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party in the Teso sub-region have pledged support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, President Yoweri Museveni.

The pledge was made during a meeting with Vice-President Jessica Alupo at Eneku training village in Soroti city.

The team, led by Fredrick Oculi, presented a memorandum, where they highlighted several development concerns, including the recognition of the bravery of the Arrow Boys who fought against the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels, payment of veterans’ benefits, increased budgetary allocations for Teso affairs, revival of co-operative unions, revitalisation of meat processing factories, promotion of cassava processing, improved access to tractors, and enhanced agricultural credit facilities.

Oculi urged President Museveni to prioritise equitable regional development, fairness in the distribution of education scholarships, government appointments, and business opportunities across the subregion.

“Ministerial appointments are not equitably distributed. For instance, Kapelebyong lacks a minister while other districts in the sub-region have two,” Oculi said.

The UPC members also appealed for increased government support to universities, capacity-building programmes, and study tours, both within and outside the country. 

“We hope the President pays close attention to these matters to foster better collaboration with Teso, fully aware that our future is secure with you as our leader,” Oculi said.

He further said UPC in Teso would defend the achievements realised under the NRM government, particularly the appointments of the Vice-President, the Speaker of Parliament, and ministers. He urged President Museveni to retain these positions or consider adding more.

Oculi said their support is driven by the desire to preserve peace and stability in the region, noting that improved security has transformed former raiding routes into trading corridors. “Raiding routes have turned into trading routes. This is an important gain that Teso should protect because the Karimojong are now buying cows from Teso markets like Akore in Kapelebyong,” he said.

Winifred Adio, popularly known as Mama UPC in Teso, said UPC members are inclined to support President Museveni due to the positive interventions of the NRM government. Andrew Omiat, the MP candidate for Ngariam County in Katakwi district, said the appointment of Alupo influenced his decision to support Museveni.

He also called for affirmative action through annual government sponsorship of children at Soroti University. Paul Esogu, the Deputy Speaker of Amuria district council, praised Alupo’s leadership, saying President Museveni is their “only true father,” but urged government to avoid sidelining UPC members when delivering services.

Joseph Okinyom, the UPC chairperson for Bukedea district, urged the government to fight corruption in the Police and health sectors, citing cases where health workers refer patients to their own clinics.

Kenneth Edosu, the UPC mobiliser for Kalaki district, raised concerns over child exploitation abroad. He suggested the creation of more local jobs.

Florence Naire from Soroti city appealed for support to small businesses, while Stephen Ewalu, a candidate contesting for councillor position for Campswahili ward, proposed establishing a rehabilitation school for street children.

Alupo commended UPC for the well-crafted memorandum. “I appreciate your nationalistic spirit. You are visionaries who understand the significance of transforming Teso’s economy,” she said.