By Emmanuel Okol
The Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Rtd Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, officially launched her main campaign rallies on Friday, 11th July 2025, with events in Acanga Parish, Ngariam County, and Obulejet Parish in Palam Sub-county.
Amid songs, dances, and jubilant supporters, Alupo kicked off the day in Acanga, Ngariam, outlining a development-focused manifesto that seeks to transform Katakwi District over the next 20 years.
Addressing large crowds at Acanga Primary School, the Vice President detailed her vision centered on infrastructure improvement, education advancement, agricultural modernization, poverty eradication, and women’s empowerment.
She emphasized the need for long-term planning to address persistent challenges in the region.
“We have to think beyond today. This manifesto is about a 20-year plan for Katakwi. We will focus on better roads, better schools, modern agriculture, and fighting poverty. Women and youth will be at the center of this plan,” Alupo told cheering residents.
Local leaders and community members welcomed her message with open arms.
Hellen Kongai, a resident of Acanga who represented women at the rally, thanked Vice President Alupo for her visible contributions to the district’s development so far.
She noted, however, that women still face immense challenges at the household level.
“We appreciate what the Vice President has done for us in Katakwi and beyond. But women still need more support, especially in forming strong saving groups, accessing tractors for agriculture, and getting seed capital for businesses,” Kongai said.
She added that many women carry the heaviest burden in families, which affects their health and well-being.
“Most of our husbands have abandoned their responsibilities, leaving women to shoulder everything. This has led to stress and sickness,” she lamented.
Joseph Apedel, a youth representative from Katakwi District, urged fellow young people to embrace a mindset change to realize development.
He appealed for seed capital to support youth-led projects like brick-making, tailoring with sewing machines, and savings groups.
“We, the youth, need to change our mindset and work. But we also need start-up capital to make these projects a reality,” Apedel said.
Elder Simon Otim called on fellow elders to unite in supporting Alupo during the NRM party primaries and the 2026 general elections.
He further appealed to the government to lower the qualifying age for the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) program from 80 years to 65 years.
“Our government should think about the elderly. We are weak and unable to work. Reducing the SAGE age limit will help many of us survive with dignity,” Otim said.
Local government leaders also used the campaign platform to highlight pressing issues.
Hon. Moses Iteit, LC3 Chairperson of Ngariam Sub-county, asked Vice President Alupo to help resolve land disputes involving Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Osep and Oedepus parishes.
“People have gone back to their ancestral lands, but UWA is interrupting their settlement. As we move towards middle-income status, the Ministry of Lands needs to work with us to resolve this issue,” Iteit pleaded.
After concluding her rally in Ngariam, Vice President Alupo proceeded to Obulejet Parish in Palam Sub-county.
Here too, the reception was warm, with residents welcoming her message of unity and development.
During the rally in Palam, Moses Enyuru asked the Vice President to forgive the people of Ngariam and Palam over incidents that occurred during the last election cycle, urging reconciliation and continued support for local groups.
“We ask you to forgive any misunderstandings from the last elections. Please continue supporting our bodaboda associations and market vendors so they can uplift their lives,” Enyuru said.
Hon. Irene Alungat, a youth district leader, called for peaceful campaigning and elections during the upcoming NRM primaries.
“I urge all youth to reject leaders who incite violence and want to use us for chaos. Let us have peaceful elections,” she appealed.
Hon. Betty Abur Okumu, the councillor representing Palam Sub-county in Katakwi District Council, emphasized the need for unity.
“If we want to benefit from our district, we must work together as a team,” she said.
Responding to the various submissions, Vice President Alupo assured the people of Ngariam and Palam of her commitment to supporting every category of citizens.
She urged voters to rally behind President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the upcoming 2026 elections.
“I will stand with you all. Let’s also remember to stand with our President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as we continue the journey of peace and development,” Alupo urged.
She encouraged residents to embrace government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, reminding them that these projects are designed to uplift households from poverty.
Alupo’s campaign kickoff in Katakwi set the tone for what is expected to be a spirited and development-focused drive ahead of the NRM primaries and the 2026 general elections.
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