By Emmanuel Okol
Independent parliamentary aspirant for Ngariam County, Hon. Daniel Mulalu, has called on voters in Katakwi District to reject self-motivated politics and instead support visionary, development-oriented leaders capable of transforming the lives of ordinary people ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Mulalu made the remarks on Saturday, December 13, 2025, while addressing hundreds of residents at Amorwongorwa Primary School playground during the official launch of his campaign.
The event attracted supporters, community leaders, youth, women, and elders from across Ngariam County, signaling what his campaign team described as growing grassroots momentum.
Addressing the crowd, Mulalu said Ngariam County needs a “game-changing leader” who is focused on long-term development rather than politicians who thrive on short-term handouts and self-interest.
“Ngariam needs a leader who is focused, visionary, and committed to service delivery, not a self-motivated person who only remembers the people during election time,” Mulalu said.
He expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture of “political pretence,” where some leaders allegedly use money, alcohol, and empty promises to lure voters while leaving communities trapped in poverty for years.
According to Mulalu, certain politicians have normalized distributing waragi to the youth instead of empowering them economically or engaging them in productive activities.
“Some leaders think leadership is about supplying waragi to young people and dishing out small money. That is not leadership; it is destroying the future of our children,” he added.
Mulalu criticized what he termed “false displays of generosity,” arguing that such actions are often used as political camouflage rather than genuine commitment to public service.
“If someone cannot manage simple responsibilities in their own home, how will they manage the needs of thousands of voters and address service delivery issues in the county?” he asked.
He urged voters to be more critical when evaluating candidates, emphasizing that leadership should be measured by integrity, accountability, and proven responsibility, not by the size of campaign handouts.
Mulalu appealed to the electorate to elect leaders who are prepared to invest in sustainable development initiatives such as education, renewable energy, health, and economic empowerment.
“If you trust me with your vote, I will not betray you. I am ready to deliver service to the highest level for the people of Ngariam,” he pledged.
As part of his immediate community commitments, Mulalu announced plans to support local schools by installing solar panels and roofing staff houses, describing the initiative as a way of giving back to his home area.
“As a son of Ngariam, I am going to help schools with solar power and improve staff housing so that our teachers work in better conditions,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.
He also warned his campaign agents against engaging in violence or intimidation during the electoral process, urging them instead to use peaceful and humble means to mobilize support.
“Let our politics be clean and peaceful. We should attract voters through ideas and good conduct, not violence,” Mulalu cautioned.
Charles Okure, the head of Mulalu’s campaign team, applauded residents of Ngariam County for what he described as a willingness to change their mindset and embrace development-driven leadership.
“The people of Ngariam have shown that they are ready to reject poverty and vote for leaders who understand development,” Okure said.
He urged voters to make wise choices in 2026 by supporting candidates who prioritize community transformation rather than personal gain.
Meanwhile, Joseph Otala, an aspirant from neighboring Serere County in Serere District who attended the event, encouraged residents of Ngariam to become champions of mindset change.
“Good governance begins with electing good leaders. We must move away from being waragi drinkers and instead vote leaders who can change the wellbeing of citizens,” Otala said.
Several residents who spoke at the rally expressed support for Mulalu’s message, citing visible development initiatives as evidence of his commitment.
John Okure, a voter from Amorwongorwa, praised Mulalu for being a focused and supportive leader who is addressing poverty through practical interventions.
“He is helping communities by installing solar panels, supporting groups, and improving schools. Because of what he has delivered, I am going to be one of the ambassadors mobilizing votes for Mulalu,” he said.
Veteran local leader John Ocakan, 71, a former Resistance Council I (RC1) and Local Council I (LCI) chairman of Acucu Village, said Mulalu’s approach stands out from past leaders.
“Since Uganda got independence in 1962, I have never seen a leader like Daniel Mulalu. Giving Ugx 5,000 to voters does not help anyone, but installing solar panels benefits everyone, both business-oriented and non-business people,” Ocakan noted.
He described Mulalu as a focused and development-oriented leader with a clear vision for Ngariam County.
Business owners have also reported tangible benefits from solar installations in trading centers.
Simon Okwi, a businessman in Palam Sub-county, said access to solar power has boosted local commerce.
“We can now keep our shops open and sell chapati up to late hours. This has motivated us and boosted business in the trading center,” Okwi explained.
Women leaders at the rally also echoed calls for issue-based politics.
Florence Akello, 57, a resident of Ngariam Corner and a mother of seven, urged women to reject what she called “cheap politics of money.”
“As women in the villages, we have not received good services like roads and support to groups. Let us focus on leaders who can eradicate poverty,” Akello said.
Another voter, Danold Engole from Katakwi Sub-county, urged the community to reject self-motivated leaders and elect those who are development-driven.
“Don’t vote for a leader because of money or waragi. Vote for someone who is focused, open-minded, and ready to serve,” Engole advised.
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