Emmah Okwii, the former NRM flag bearer for Serere County and a passionate member of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), has unveiled an ambitious roadmap he believes will decisively transform livelihoods and uplift residents from poverty as he prepares for 2026 general elections under independent ticket.
Despite his recent setback in the NRM primaries, Okwii remains steadfast in his political and social mission.
He insists that leadership goes beyond winning elections and that true service lies in dedicating one’s energy and resources to community development.
“I may not be in Parliament right now, but my heart and mind are still committed to the people of Serere,” Okwii told our reporter.
“We cannot sit back and wait for opportunities to come from outside. We must take charge of our own destiny, and that is what my plan seeks to do.”
Okwii is no stranger to grassroots mobilization and political organization. Over the years, he has been a visible and active supporter of the NRM party, working tirelessly to strengthen President Yoweri Museveni’s campaigns across the Teso sub-region.
From organizing village-level mobilization meetings to spearheading youth-driven events like the successful MK tournaments in Busoga, Teso, and Bukedi sub-regions, Okwii has cemented his reputation as a team player and community mobilizer.
“I have always believed in collective effort. Development does not come from one person, it comes when leaders, community members, and institutions work hand in hand,” he said.
His loyalty and dedication have not gone unnoticed, with party members acknowledging his contribution to maintaining NRM’s political dominance in Serere and Teso at large.
According to Okwii, poverty in Serere remains the biggest obstacle to progress.
He argues that while government interventions have made significant contributions, local leadership must step in to address specific challenges unique to Serere’s people.
Okwii has pledged to ensure that markets, junctions, trading centers, schools, and hospitals are well lit.
He believes street and market lighting will not only enhance security but also extend trading hours for vendors, giving families more opportunities to earn income.
Funerals and traditional ceremonies are important to Serere’s cultural identity but often weigh heavily on poor families.
Okwii says he intends to set up a structured support system to help households honor their loved ones without sinking into debt.
Okwii is determined to see Serere’s health facilities elevated from Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IVs, fully equipped to handle maternal care, emergency cases, and advanced treatment.
“No mother should lose her life because a hospital is too far or lacks equipment,” he emphasized.
With most residents depending on agriculture, Okwii stresses the urgent need to grade and maintain feeder roads.
He explained that better road networks will connect farmers to buyers, boost trade, and ease access to schools and hospitals.
Okwii also hinted at plans to support youth and women through vocational skills programs and small-scale enterprise development.
“We must empower our people with the tools to create jobs, not just look for them,” he said.
While many candidates retreat from public life after losing an election, Okwii says defeat has only sharpened his resolve.
He views it as an opportunity to demonstrate genuine leadership outside the confines of parliamentary privilege.
“Elections come and go, but service must continue. My loss in the primaries was not a loss for the people of Serere. It was a new beginning for me to prove that leadership is about action, not titles,” he remarked.
Okwii’s plan has already sparked conversations across Serere County.
Traders in Ocaapa market welcomed the promise of lighting, saying it would reduce theft and allow them to sell into the night.
Youths in Kateta praised his emphasis on vocational training, noting that unemployment remains their biggest challenge.
“I think Okwii is showing us a different kind of politics,” said Mary Adeke. “Even without office, he is still thinking about us. That is the kind of leader we need.”
As Serere County prepares for the 2026 elections, Okwii’s name is expected to feature prominently once again.
Political analysts suggest that his hands-on approach could endear him to voters, especially if he continues implementing small but impactful community projects.
However, Okwii insists that his mission is not just about politics.
“Yes, I will always be available to serve politically if given the mandate, but even outside Parliament, I will keep doing my part. My goal is one: to see Serere free from the grip of poverty,” he concluded.
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