VP Alupo nominated to defend Katakwi Woman MP seat, urges peaceful campaigns

KATAKWI - Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has been officially nominated to contest as the Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi district on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, marking the beginning of what she described as a “journey of continued service” to her people.

She was nominated by the returning officer, Stephen Makubuya, at 9:27 am. Alupo was accompanied by the NRM leadership of the district and entourage led by Katakwi resident district commissioner Stephen Ilemukorit.

Speaking shortly after her nomination by the Electoral Commission at Katakwi district headquarters, Alupo expressed deep gratitude to the Commission for conducting a transparent and efficient process.

“I would like all members of the public to know that I have been duly nominated to contest as Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi district on the NRM ticket. I thank the national Electoral Commission for the transparency and efficiency with which they are handling the process, including their timekeeping,” Alupo said.

She called upon the people of Katakwi to once again entrust her with their support, promising to serve with renewed commitment and to continue advancing the NRM’s development agenda.

Alupo said she will continue mentoring young women and girls, serving as a role model to inspire confidence, discipline, and leadership among them. (All Photos by Godfrey Ojore)

“I call upon all the people of Katakwi district to support me like they have done before during the campaigns, which will start soon until we secure victory in January next year,” she appealed.

Alupo used the occasion to urge all political candidates and their supporters across the country to maintain peace and unity during the campaign period and the election itself.

“I call upon all the candidates here in Katakwi and across the country, together with their supporters and all voters, to prioritise peace during the campaigns and election time,” she said, emphasising that “peace is the foundation upon which development thrives.”
Alupo noted that the NRM government has always championed stability, inclusivity, and progress, and that every citizen has a role to play in upholding those values.

Reaffirming her commitment to women’s empowerment, Alupo pledged to continue advocating for gender parity in leadership and economic development.

“The NRM prioritises special interest groups, and as a woman leader, I will continue advocating for gender parity so that women continue to be considered in leadership positions at all levels from local councils to Parliament and even in Cabinet,” she stated.

Ignatius Apuda Loyola of FDC addressing the media after nomination for Ngaiam County MP seat.

“I will continue advocating for policies that strengthen women’s economic status so that women can join men in small, medium, and large businesses. Together, we work faster, better, and more efficiently,” she added.

Highlighting education as a cornerstone of empowerment, Alupo pledged to promote interventions that ensure every girl remains in school until she completes her education.

“As a woman and a mother, I understand the challenges faced by the girl child in schools. I will advocate for interventions geared towards keeping girls in school until they complete their education cycle,” she said, noting that such initiatives are already enshrined in government policy but require stronger implementation at the grassroots.

Alupo said she will continue mentoring young women and girls, serving as a role model to inspire confidence, discipline, and leadership among them.

The Vice President reaffirmed her dedication to serving not only the women of Katakwi but all women of Uganda with integrity and compassion.

“I will serve the women of Katakwi with dedication, as well as all women of Uganda. I also promise to continue being a good role model and mentor to all women and girls,” she said.

John Robert Ekongot, was nominated as an Independent candidate for Toroma County seat.

She urged voters to rally behind the NRM, emphasising that the party’s manifesto is built on the aspirations and needs of the people themselves.

Outlining her priorities, Alupo said her campaign and tenure will focus on two key pillars: wealth and job creation, and community empowerment.

“The first category of our interventions will be on wealth creation and job creation. The second will be empowering communities to create wealth through programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga,” she explained.

As she concluded her remarks, Vice President Alupo expressed optimism about the upcoming campaigns, saying that the NRM remains the most organised and people-centred political organisation in Uganda. She called on residents of Katakwi to stand together for peace, progress, and continuity of government programmes.

“We must all commit to peace, unity, and development. Let us conduct ourselves with maturity and discipline during this electoral season,” she emphasised.

Alupo reaffirmed her loyalty to the NRM leadership and President Yoweri Museveni, whom she praised for empowering women and supporting inclusive governance.

She later addressed her rally at Katakwi Boma Grounds. Before midday, five candidates, including Alupo, Andrew Joseph Koluo (independent, Toroma County), Ignatius Apuda (FDC, Ngariam County), Walter Elakas (Independent, Toroma County), Robert Ekongot (Toroma County) and Ben Verendado Okiror (Independent, Toroma County), had been nominated.

The Commission is set to nominate 12 candidates for both county and Woman MP positions on the first day.

Three women have picked forms to challenge Alupo: Frances Clare Apolot of FDC, who booked day one at 4:30 pm; Violet Akurut (independent); Angella Anuken (independent); and Cecilia Anyakoit (independent).