Arua City, Uganda — Leaders and residents across the WestNile region have expressed overwhelming support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ahead of the 2026 general elections, citing peace, development, and improved service delivery under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
According to Hon. Atima Jackson Lee Buti, the Member of Parliament for Arua Central Division and Government Regional Whip for WestNile, over 99% of voters in the region are committed to re-electing President Museveni.
“West Nile is solidly behind President Museveni. Out of our 1.4 million voters, we are committing 1.3 million votes to the NRM. The other few may be those unable to reach polling stations due to illness or emergencies,” Hon. Atima declared during final preparations a head of today’s President’s campaign visit in the area to seek another term in office.
NRM Rallies Set to Sweep the Region
Hajjat Medina Naham Ojale, NRM Director of Finance, confirmed that all preparations were complete for the President’s scheduled rallies, beginning in Madi-Okollo and culminating in Arua City.
“We are hosting the NRM presidential candidate, the party chairman, and the President of Uganda, all embodied in one person, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The excitement across the region is unmatched,” she said.
Massive crowds are expected, echoing the recent high turnouts seen in Nebbi, Zombo, and Lango sub-region. Organizers report that enthusiasm for opposition parties such as NUP and FDC is virtually nonexistent in the region.
Only NRM Can Deliver
Residents and leaders argue that opposition parties have failed to present a compelling development agenda.
“When you walk around West Nile, you don’t see NUP or FDC. Ask people about them and they’ll look confused. The only party they know is the NRM, because it delivers,” said Hajjat Medina.
Why West Nile is Backing Museveni
Community leaders and residents cited several key reasons for their unwavering support:
Peace and Security
WestNile, once affected by insurgencies and cross-border instability, now enjoys peace and safety.
“Unlike our neighbors in Congo and South Sudan, West Nile residents sleep peacefully and farm without fear — all thanks to President Museveni’s leadership,” said Hajjat Medina.
Improved Infrastructure
The region is now connected to Kampala via tarmacked roads, with ongoing upgrades addressing problem areas.
“Our roads are a testimony to the transformation. Even with a few patches still under repair, the difference is visible,” noted Hon. Atima.
Access to Electricity
In a historic milestone, West Nile was connected to the national grid in 2024, the first time in over 111 years.
“Factories are now coming in, creating jobs for our youth and boosting the local economy,” Atima said.
Health and Education
The region is now home to two regional referral hospitals in Arua and Yumbe — a unique achievement nationally. The Arua Regional Referral Hospital boasts an ICU, a regional blood bank, and expanded services.
“This shows how much the government values West Nile,” Atima said.
Parish Development Model (PDM)
Every parish in West Nile has received UGX 100 million under the government’s PDM initiative, improving livelihoods and household incomes. Arua City alone has received over UGX 16 billion.
Compensation of Locals
President Museveni’s government has also compensated ex-servicemen and tobacco farmers previously defrauded by private companies — a long-awaited relief for many families.
A Call to Turn Up in Numbers
As the region prepares to receive President Museveni, Hon. Atima has called on all residents to show their support visibly and turn up for the today’s October 13th rallies
“President Museveni is not just a leader — he’s a gift from God to Uganda. We pray for his continued strength and wisdom. We are ready for him, and ready to vote him back into office come 2026,” he said.
With visible infrastructure, improved services, and energized leadership, WestNile is poised to once again play a crucial role in President Museveni’s campaign for a renewed mandate in 2026.
