By Emmanuel Olinga
The Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, who also serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi District, was officially nominated last week to contest in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries for the 2026 elections.
Alupo’s nomination was conducted at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters at Plot 13, Kyadondo Road, in the presence of the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson and all commissioners, as well as the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong.
Following her nomination, the Vice President launched her comprehensive 14-point manifesto outlining her priorities for Katakwi District and Uganda at large under the NRM banner for the 2026–2031 term.
Alupo emphasized that if re-elected to the 12th Parliament, her key role would be to implement the NRM Manifesto under the stewardship of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
She reaffirmed her commitment to Parliament’s four constitutional responsibilities: legislation, appropriation, representation, and oversight.
Drawing from the NRM’s ideological pillars, Nationalism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy, Alupo vowed to work with government, development partners, the private sector, and civil society to deliver progress to Katakwi.
Key Focus Areas in the 14-Point Manifesto
1. Security
- Worked with President Museveni and security agencies to restore peace and curb cattle rustling.
- Lobbied for the establishment of UPDF and police barracks in Ngariam and Olilim.
2. Veterans Affairs
- Supports timely payment of veterans’ benefits through the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs.
- Prioritizes care for widows and orphans of fallen comrades.
3. Education
- Advocates for technical institutes in underserved counties, seed secondary schools, and primary schools in every parish.
- Continues to lobby for scholarships, scholastic support, and infrastructure like science labs.
- Supports teachers through SACCO contributions and refresher training.
- Promotes compulsory education for all children, including those with disabilities.
4. Health
- Advocated for and lobbied a super-specialized hospital in Katakwi.
- Lobbied for the upgrade of Katakwi HC IV to a general hospital.
- Ensures delivery of drugs and equipment, and supports anti-NCD and maternal health campaigns.
- Secured ambulances and organized medical outreach camps.
5. Agriculture
- Delivered heavy-duty and walking tractors, valley dam rehabilitation, and improved livestock/crop varieties.
- Promotes modern farming and value addition training.
- Mobilized support for extension services and mechanization.
6. Energy
- Lobbied for rural electrification and solar power for schools and health centers.
- Supports government energy projects to power industry.
7. Water and Sanitation
- Advocated for boreholes per village and piped solar-powered water systems.
- Mobilized Turkish partners for borehole drilling and maintenance equipment.
8. Women, Youth, Elderly & PWDs
- Supported SACCOs, vocational training, and entrepreneurship.
- Lobbied for the International Women’s Day celebrations to be hosted in Katakwi.
- Provided wheelchairs, livestock projects, and brick-making tools.
9. Sports and Games
- Founded the Alupo Cup to promote talent and unity.
- Donated sports gear and organized youth tournaments across Katakwi.
10. ICT and Digital Literacy
- Lobbied for ICT labs in secondary schools and donated computers.
- Partnered with Huawei to train youth through the Chinese DigiTruck project.
11. Culture and Heritage
- Partnered with Iteso Cultural Union and hosted the 2024 Ateker Cultural Summit.
- Promoted African heritage preservation and cultural tourism.
12. Local Government
- Advocated for the creation of new administrative units such as Toroma District and new sub-counties.
- Enhanced service delivery through decentralization.
13. Transport and Infrastructure
- Supported road tarmacking, bridge construction, ferry services, and training for boda boda riders.
- Lobbied for safer and more accessible transportation across Katakwi.
14. Economic Growth
- Advocated for policies on export promotion and import substitution.
- Lobbied for investors and tourism development.
- Encouraged all citizens to participate in the money economy and wealth creation programs like PDM, Emyooga, Youth Fund, and GROW.
Alupo’s five-year record includes:
- Repatriation and resettlement of IDPs.
- Health service expansion including donation of hospital beds, COVID-19 medical supplies, and eye camps.
- Establishment and support of multiple schools and tertiary institutions.
- Distribution of agricultural tools and inputs, including 30,000 Kuroiler chicks and tractors.
- Construction of key roads and bridges and support for ferry services.
- Hosting benchmarking tours in China and other international engagements.
Education & Background
Born in 1974 in Oigo Imomwa, Ongongoja Sub-county, Katakwi, Alupo is a seasoned leader with a strong academic and military background.
She holds:
- Honorary Ph.D. in Science, Shenyang University, China.
- Master’s degrees in International Relations and Public Administration.
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Religious Studies, Makerere University.
- Military and intelligence training from UPDF institutions.
Leadership Experience
Alupo has served as:
- Vice President (2021–present)
- Minister of Education and Sports (2011–2016)
- Minister of State for Youth and Children (2009–2011)
- Chairperson NRM Veterans League
- UPDF Staff Officer and military instructor
Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo’s manifesto and leadership record reflect a deep commitment to transformational service delivery, inclusive development, and national unity.
Her re-election bid under the NRM seeks to consolidate the gains made and elevate Katakwi to even greater heights.
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