Arua City, Uganda – More than 300 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) have crossed over to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, marking a major political shift in Arua City as the NRM intensifies its campaign trail across the West Nile sub-region.
The mass defection was officially announced by Alionz Lawrence Dangote, a former Makerere University Guild President and once a prominent NUP member. Now the NRM’s flag bearer for the 2026 Arua City mayoral race, Dangote declared his renewed commitment to national development under the NRM banner, stating that he has “seen the light” and is ready to contribute constructively to Uganda’s progress.
Dangote made the announcement in front of thousands during a high-energy NRM presidential campaign rally at the Arua City Golf Course Grounds, which was headlined by the NRM National Chairman and presidential candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Museveni Pledges Infrastructure Boom and Economic Empowerment
In his address, President Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Arua City and the wider Arua District through increased investment in infrastructure, social services, and economic development.
Museveni highlighted the region’s potential as a trade and industrial hub, announcing plans for additional tarmac roads to improve regional connectivity. He emphasized the role of the newly established power station in enabling industrial growth and promised to continue supporting electricity extension programs to fuel economic activity.
“Peace has brought development,” Museveni said. “Now, let’s use that peace to generate wealth. Venture into value addition, target regional markets, and government will support you with the necessary infrastructure.”
He pledged to further enhance service delivery by ensuring every parish and sub-county has access to both health and education facilities — a cornerstone of the NRM’s rural transformation agenda.
Call for Administrative Reforms and Upgraded Services
Joyce Amaguru, Arua City NRM Party Chairperson, thanked the President for elevating Arua to city status but highlighted key administrative challenges following the city’s creation.
“When Arua became a city, seven sub-counties were merged into one division, which has constrained service delivery,” Amaguru said. “We request that Arua be granted three additional divisions to improve access to public services.”
She also appealed for the elevation of Arua Regional Referral Hospital to a National Referral Hospital and the upgrade of Arua Airstrip into an international airport, citing its status as Uganda’s second busiest business airstrip.
NRM Showcases Funding Impact in Arua
Amaguru further outlined the government’s development footprint through various funding programs under the NRM government:
- Parish Development Model (PDM): Over UGX 16 billion disbursed in Arua City
- Emyooga Program: UGX 1.9 billion received
- Youth Livelihoods Program: UGX 92 million, benefiting 92 youth groups
- Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP): UGX 93 million, with 126 beneficiaries
- Special Funds for PWDs: UGX 65 million
- Elderly Support Funds: UGX 20 million
First Lady Urges Voters to Support NRM
Also addressing the rally was First Lady Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, who encouraged voters to preserve Uganda’s stability by electing visionary leaders like President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers.
“Your vote is not just for today; it’s for the generations to come. Choose leaders who are tested, who have delivered, and who understand the value of peace and development,” she urged.
With continued investment in infrastructure, health, education, and economic empowerment programs, Arua City appears poised for a new chapter of growth — one the NRM hopes to steer with strong local backing as the 2026 elections draw near.
