Kyagulanyi tells Acholi youth their vote can reshape Uganda

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National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has urged the youth of Acholi to unite and seize the opportunity to transform Uganda under his party’s New Uganda agenda.

Speaking at a rally on Thursday (December 4) at Opit Primary School in Omoro, Kyagulanyi, who introduced himself by his adopted Acholi name, Ogeng Lapien, appealed directly to young voters.

He highlighted what he described as decades of “broken promises” and “systemic injustice” under President Yoweri Museveni’s government.

“Forty years is enough for one leader. We have suffered under a system that enriches one person while leaving the people of Uganda in poverty,” Kyagulanyi said.

He cited alleged corruption and mismanagement, claiming that “10 trillion shillings are stolen from Ugandans every year—money that could build roads, hospitals, and schools.”

Kyagulanyi recounted Uganda’s post-1980 history, emphasising that Museveni came to power after a disputed election and a violent war that left hundreds of thousands dead.

He criticised what he described as the government’s heavy security presence at his political rallies, saying it is intended to intimidate citizens rather than protect them.

“Even in times of crisis, the police and military are not deployed as heavily as they are today to stop us from speaking to you. They fear you because you have opened your eyes,” he said.

The NUP presidential hopeful also highlighted local concerns, including poor infrastructure, lack of employment opportunities and limited access to quality education and healthcare in Omoro.

He pledged that under his administration, public resources would prioritise roads, hospitals, schools and social services rather than political patronage.

Kyagulanyi called on the youth to take ownership of Uganda’s future, stressing that meaningful change will come from citizen engagement rather than reliance on political elites.

“Your hope is not in the politicians. Your hope is in you. When you choose to free yourselves, the rest of the country will be free,” he said.

He urged voters to participate in the upcoming January 15, 2026, election and to use it as a chance to hold leaders accountable for development, equity and justice.

“This election is about thinking for yourself, about your future, and about the Uganda you want to live in. Let us unite, not for me, but for all of us,” Kyagulanyi said.