KATAKWI: The Vice President of Uganda Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has been elected unopposed as the Chairperson NRM Veterans League in Aketa Parish, Ongongoja Sub County, Katakwi district.
Alupo was declared duly elected by the Parish Registrar Moses Otim during this morning’s NRM party Parish structure elections. She’s deputized by Charles Amaitum.
The vice president who faced no challenger for the seat celebrated the moment as a show of unity and trust from her community. She expressed excitement for the confidence placed in her by the local NRM supporters.
Alupo expressed her sincere gratitude to the 210 NRM members from the Seven villages, which make up Aketa parish for trusting in her to lead as the chairperson of the NRM veteran league.
“I am committed to giving my all to advance our party to ensure it grows in strength and ideology. I also pledge to advance issues of veterans,” she said to the applause of the chanting crowd.
The vice president noted that these NRM parish elections, which are taking place across the country, aim to fill 30 positions as part of the party’s grassroot reorganization efforts.
These structures are seen as critical for mobilizing support ahead of future national elections and ensuring effective implementation of government programs.
Alupo praised the peaceful parish elections in Aketa, emphasizing that members were allowed to freely select their leaders without any interference.
Voters were excited with Alupo’s unopposed victory, saying it cements her influence not only on the national political stage but also within her local community, reflecting her deep political roots in Katakwi district.
Alupo further highlighted several development projects in Katakwi, including improved road infrastructure, which has reduced travel time between Katakwi and Soroti from over five hours to just 30 minutes.
She also mentioned the use of a ferry on Lake Bisina and the rehabilitation of the railway line from Busia to Congo, which will facilitate the transportation of goods.
The vice president noted that ongoing construction of cement factories in Karamoja would provide employment opportunities for the local population.
She encouraged the locals to spread the message of love and unity among the people and to promote modern farming techniques, such as keeping heifers for milk production and Kroilers for egg production, which can improve family livelihoods and income.
Alupo also emphasized the importance of education, encouraging parents to promote the enrollment of children in school, now that educational resources are more accessible in villages. She noted that educating a child improves livelihoods and opportunities.
The Vice President reiterated the President’s initiative to construct two specialized hospitals in the country, one of which will be located in Katakwi District, to serve the local population with advanced medical care.
She assured the locals that she would ensure the project is not diverted from Katakwi and warned against attempts to bribe community members during elections.
Alupo, also the district woman MP concluded by encouraging the people to embrace government development programs, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Fund, and Women Fund, which aim to empower the local community financially.
She called for peaceful elections in Katakwi District in 2026 and urged leaders to sensitize communities to maintain peace and coexistance.
