Kyagulanyi hails Karamoja's "warm reception", pledges to tackle poverty

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National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flag-bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has thanked Karamoja residents for what he has described as a 'warm and enthusiastic' reception during his campaign tour of the sub-region.

National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flag-bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

Kyagulanyi says he was deeply moved by the show of love and support from residents, despite the region’s long-standing challenges of poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment.

He made the revelation as he campaigned in Kotido town on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The NUP leader, who has been campaigning in Lango since Friday, is now in Karamoja and commenced his tour to the area yesterday by holding rallies in Abim and Kotido.

“When many of you were growing up, you used to call me the Ghetto President. But today, I come here to seek your mandate to become the President of Uganda,” he said. “We have a better plan for our country. Together, we can make the change that will allow all Ugandans to share equally in our nation’s wealth.”

Kyagulanyi reminded the crowds that the responsibility to bring change does not rest on him alone, but on all young people across the country.

“I ask that on January 15 next year, you come out and vote for the umbrella. Spread the message.”

He blamed the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party for the region’s underdevelopment and lack of civic awareness.

“Your eyes have been closed for too long,” Kyagulanyi said.

“Karamoja is the richest region in terms of minerals, yet you are the poorest.”

The NUP leader pledged to usher in a period of national progress and equality if elected president.

Kyagulanyi accused the Government of enriching a few individuals in the area, including those it appoints ministers, saying their privileges are coming at the expense of the majority who have remained poor.

Karamoja taking strides

It should be noted, however, that the Karamoja region, which consists of districts, including Amudat, Nabilatuk, Moroto, Napak, Karenga and Kotido, has experienced great strides in poverty alleviation and other development indicators. Despite Karamoja being the only region where the Government is still battling pockets of insecurity occasioned by cattle rustlers and other bandits, authorities and the voters in the districts of Moroto and Kotido say pacification efforts have largely achieved peace, and communities are embracing the prosperity trajectory.

Bordered by Kaabong district to the north, Kenya to the east, Amudat (south), Nakapiripirit (southwest), Napak (west) and Kotido (northwest), Moroto municipality is the main business hub of the region.

Statistics indicate that in 1980, Karamoja had only 190,000 people; today, it has grown to over 1.5 million. The Government plans to build an international airport in Kidepo, comparable to Entebbe, through private investors who will also set up hotels. This, according to President Yoweri Museveni, will attract tourists and strengthen the economy.

Museveni recently posted on his social media handle saying, because of that peace in Karamoja, "we have extended electricity, built dams like Sinat Valley (4.4bn litres) and Kaoyagorok, and paved over 180km of roads".

"This transformation shows that peace is the foundation of development. When people put down the guns and pick up work, prosperity follows. That is the NRM way, peace, development, and transformation for all".

Come out to vote

Bobi Wine told the residents of Abim and Kotido: “Every five years, President Museveni picks a few people and makes them rich, and you seem to accept that. In NUP, we have chosen to come together to change this country, and I am leading that charge. So come out and vote.”

During his visit, the NUP leader was accompanied by several party officials, including Dr Lina Zedriga, the deputy chairperson of the opposition party for Northern Uganda.

The NUP leader, who held a brief rally in Abim town before concluding his main rally in Kotido town, called for unity.

On Thursday, the NUP leader is set to campaign in Kaabong and Karenga.