A wave of support is sweeping across Serere County following the decision of veteran investigative journalist and development enthusiast Steven Ariong to quit the upcoming National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries and instead contest as an independent candidate in the 2026 general elections.
Ariong, who had initially expressed interest in running on the NRM ticket, cited growing concerns over irregularities and what he termed as “orchestrated foul play” in the party’s primary preparations.
He has since declared that he will contest as an NRM-leaning independent candidate, continuing to align with the ruling party’s values but taking a separate path to the ballot.
His decision has not only stirred political discussion but also drawn overwhelming support from ordinary citizens across Serere County, many of whom view him as a practical leader already making a difference in their lives.
Residents from across the sub-counties have poured praises on Ariong for the tangible services he has rendered even before being elected into office.
Grace Akello, a resident of Asilang, described Ariong as “a true leader down to the people,” emphasizing that his community projects have outshined those of elected officials.
“Steven Ariong has not yet even reached Parliament, but what he has done on the ground triples what the sitting leaders have done in five years,” Akello told this publication.
“This NRM election is just like mocks of Primary Seven. We are now waiting for the real UNEB, the general elections, where we shall cast our votes and send him to Parliament.”
Her analogy resonated with many at a community dialogue held in Kyere where the mood reflected a strong shift of support from party-based loyalty to performance-based decision-making.
One of Ariong’s most celebrated achievements has been the repair of over 1,000 boreholes across Serere County.
For communities that had long endured water scarcity, contaminated sources, and long treks to distant water points, Ariong’s intervention was nothing short of transformative.
Joseph Mongot from Akusi hailed Ariong for rehabilitating a borehole that had been abandoned for years, forcing residents to share water sources with livestock in swampy areas.
“We had lost all hope. The district said it had no funds to repair our borehole. Then Ariong came and fixed it. Even the children now call him ‘Steven Ariong Ogilon’ (the savior). We believe voting for Ariong will bring an end to the daily challenges we face in Serere,” Mongot said.
In Abilayep Parish, Olio Sub-county, Judith Apio shared an emotional testimony.
She revealed that the breakdown of their village borehole for over eight years almost destroyed her marriage.
“Water scarcity nearly caused my divorce. Our borehole broke down, and the sub-county said they couldn’t fix it. Women would walk over five kilometers daily to fetch water. Our husbands didn’t believe us and accused us of staying out late. When Ariong repaired the borehole, everything changed. Now we fetch water within minutes, and there is peace at home,” Apio said, visibly relieved.
Ariong’s development efforts extend beyond water.
He has installed solar power systems in eight government primary schools to enable Primary Seven pupils to read at night, roofed five teachers’ houses in remote areas, and distributed solar panels to 15 churches, enhancing worship and community functions.
He is also erecting waiting sheds at several health centres across the county to provide comfort to patients and caregivers during long queues or unpredictable weather.
In the livestock sector, Ariong recently launched a community-wide animal spraying campaign against ticks and other parasites, working alongside trained community-based animal health workers.
This initiative is already being applauded by farmers, many of whom had been losing cattle due to tick-borne diseases.
Residents across Serere are increasingly referring to Ariong not just as a candidate, but as a leader already in action.
“He has done all this without holding any public office. What more proof do we need?” asked Pastor Ezekiel Ocen of Kateta.
“We don’t need speeches and political dances anymore. We need people like Ariong who fix boreholes, light schools, and treat our animals.”
Many now view Ariong’s independent bid as a strategic and courageous move to bypass a flawed primary process and deliver the services Serere needs directly to Parliament.
“He made the right decision. If the party system is compromised, it is better he comes to us directly. We the voters are the final authority,” said Michael Owor, a boda boda rider in Atiira.
Ariong’s presence is increasingly being felt, not through posters and loud rallies, but through clean water, solar-powered schools, safer livestock, and mended community trust.
Supporters argue that the growing momentum behind Ariong is not merely about politics but about a movement rooted in action, accountability, and service delivery.
“We have tested Ariong already,” said Apio. “Now we just need the final exam, the general elections, to give him the platform he needs to transform Serere fully.”
With each passing day, Steven Ariong’s independent candidacy is redefining the political dynamics in Serere County, not through party slogans, but through results that speak louder than promises.
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