Support for Julius Okurut Arecho, one of the six candidates contesting for the Pallisa County parliamentary seat, gained momentum on Monday as voters from Kamuge, Boliso and Putiputi sub-counties openly declared their backing following his intensive village-to-village engagements.
Okurut, who is facing competition from Enock Okoler (DP), Ibrahim Ibrahim Aisu (NRM), Godfrey Kateu (NUP), Martin Owako (FDC) and Sam Odongo (Independent), traversed several villages in Putiputi Sub-county as part of a harmonized campaign programme aimed at mobilizing voters to exercise their constitutional right in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.
The campaign climaxed at Mpogi Primary School playground, where hundreds of residents gathered to listen to Okurut outline his vision for Pallisa County and respond to allegations that have circulated during the campaign period.
Addressing the crowd, Okurut took time to clarify his family background, saying some of his opponents had attempted to mislead voters by alleging that he is a biological brother to Sam Otukol, the current Pallisa County Member of Parliament who is reportedly eyeing the Agule County seat.
Okurut firmly dismissed the claims, explaining that his father was the late Peter Arecho, a renowned catechist whose family roots are firmly established in Komolo Village, Pallisa Sub-county, where his forefathers are buried.
He noted that Otukol’s father was Okello Ezedekia from Akisim Sub-county, adding that although Otukol’s family later acquired land in Kamuge, the two families are distinct.
“I know they want to associate me with Otukol because of our body size and allege that he is the one who fronted me, with others even saying I was bought,” Okurut said, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd. “But my roots are clear, and the people of Pallisa know where I come from.”
Okurut, a trained Community Development Officer, told voters that his professional background gives him a deeper understanding of the challenges facing ordinary people, particularly poverty and unemployment.
He painted a grim picture of life in Pallisa County, noting that many families survive on one meal a day and that sugar is often only bought when a child falls sick, an indicator, he said, of deep-rooted poverty.
“My appeal is simple,” he told the gathering. “On voting day, begin with President Museveni, and on the MPs’ ballot paper, just look for the borehole symbol and tick. If you do so, you will not regret your vote.”
He said he has developed a “master plan” focused on promoting household-level enterprises that communities can manage themselves, reducing dependency on scarce formal jobs and handouts.
According to Okurut, improved household incomes would not only enhance food security but also reduce health-related expenses, allowing families to prioritize education and other basic needs.
Touching on education, Okurut linked the high school dropout rate in Pallisa to hunger and the absence of midday meals in many schools.
He explained that pupils often abandon school when they miss the only meal available at home that day.
While acknowledging government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), UWEP and Emyooga, he argued that their impact has been limited due to inadequate mindset change among beneficiaries.
“President Museveni has put in place good interventions, but the results are not fully felt because beneficiaries are not well guided on how to use them productively,” Okurut said.
He pledged that if elected, he would focus on the five core roles of a Member of Parliament: representing the interests of the constituency, legislation, oversight of government programmes, budget scrutiny and effective constituency service delivery.
Several residents praised Okurut’s approach, describing him as a listener who prioritizes substance over theatrics. Joseph Okia said Okurut’s habit of spending time engaging with voters meaningfully sets him apart from other candidates.
“Some come like comedians, dance a bit, abuse others and leave,” Okia said. “But the time Okurut takes to explain issues and listen to us is more beneficial.”
Sula Mpangi said the manner in which Okurut addressed voters had influenced his decision, despite reported directives urging voters to support only certain candidates.
“Given how Okurut spoke to us, I have openly decided to vote for him,” Mpangi said.
Kolositika Kantono of Mpogi Village cited Okurut’s personal intervention in repairing a broken borehole as evidence of his commitment to community welfare.
He said residents had failed to raise UGX 600,000 needed for repairs due to poverty, but Okurut fixed it without demanding any contribution from beneficiaries.
Penekasi Kauta said voters appreciate that Okurut presents a written and clear manifesto, unlike some candidates who avoid engaging with communities for fear of being challenged on their promises.
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