By Emmanuel Olinga
Daniel Mulalu, the presidential private secretary in charge of political mobilization and affairs, has launched targeted support for rural savings groups in Ngariam County.
While visiting Lalei A village in Lalei Parish, Akoboi Sub-county, Katakwi District on April 5, 2025, Mulalu donated UGX 1 million to the Lalei Joint Farmers Association, a vibrant community-based savings group that has grown to 86 active members.
The donation was aimed at reinforcing the group’s efforts to economically empower its members and promote self-sufficiency.
Mulalu encouraged locals to embrace the culture of saving as a powerful tool in combating poverty at the household level.
“When communities come together to save, they are not just pooling money, they are building trust, sharing knowledge, and creating a reliable support network,” he said.
He noted that organized groups like the Lalei Joint Farmers Association are not only better positioned to receive government support but also capable of initiating their own development agendas.
The Lalei Joint Farmers Association, under the leadership of Chairperson Simon Peter Otukei, has already achieved remarkable milestones.
With each member saving UGX 10,000 monthly, the group has managed to purchase a bull, two sacks of groundnuts, lease farmland, and deposit UGX 1 million toward the purchase of a 100-seater event tent.
Otukei expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing how the group stands together in both joy and hardship.
Immaculate Asio Martin Okia, the group’s mobiliser, applauded the role of the KAZI NI KAZI Foundation in promoting economic sustainability among rural groups.
“We’re excited about our future plans to expand catering services and invest in more agricultural assets like bulls and gardens. The foundation’s idea of supporting groups rather than individuals is exactly what rural communities need,” she said.
The positive impact of Mulalu’s community engagements goes beyond financial donations.
According to Pius Akwang, the LC1 chairperson of Lalei A, recent initiatives supported by Mulalu and the KAZI NI KAZI Foundation have included lighting trading centers and renovating boreholes.
“The installation of solar security lights has helped reduce criminal activities, especially rape and theft, in our trading centers,” Akwang said.
“Our boreholes are now functional, improving access to clean water.”
Later in the day, while meeting with a youth group of vehicle washers in Katakwi Town Council, Mulalu delivered a powerful message of peace and non-violence in politics.
Referring to a recent incident in which supporters of a rival candidate undressed and stepped on his campaign-branded t-shirt, Mulalu urged the youth to reject violence and instead champion constructive dialogue and development-focused politics.
“Our country needs leaders who promote ideas, not chaos,” he said.
“We must ask ourselves what our leaders are doing to empower communities and not allow ourselves to be used as tools of division.”
In support of the car washers’ economic growth, Mulalu donated a goat-rearing project and UGX 200,000 in startup funds.
The gesture was met with enthusiasm by the group, who pledged their support for him.
Yusuf Odeke, chairperson of Time and Management Car Washers, appreciated the initiative.
“What Mulalu has given us is more than money, goats reproduce and grow into long-term projects. We are a young team that believes in sustainability, and we are proud to back his vision.”
Mulalu’s hands-on approach and investment in rural development are quickly positioning him as a strong contender.
His strategy of empowering communities through group support, enterprise, and peaceful mobilization is resonating with many across Katakwi District.
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