KATAKWI: With just one day remaining before the country heads to the NRM polls, supporters of Akurut Violet Adome and Anuken Angela have switched allegiance to Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo’s camp, citing neglect and disorganization in their former candidates’ teams.
The defectors claimed that Akurut and Anuken’s camps were plagued by poor management, a lack of activities, and no focus on uplifting vulnerable communities in the district.
“Since I joined Akurut’s camp, I have worked tirelessly to mobilize the youth, women, and other adults, but we’ve been operating in total isolation,” said one of the defectors. “All our efforts have gone unrecognized. We’ve realized our mistake before it’s too late,” another defector stated.
The new supporters praised Alupo for her efforts in promoting peace in the region and supporting initiatives in education, health, and infrastructure development.
They also commended her support for goat and sheep rearing projects, which have improved their livelihoods, as well as for providing mama kits and restoring boreholes, enhancing access to safe water and hygiene.
Their reception was marked by celebrations as they publicly renounced their support for Anuken and Akurut. The defectors wore yellow T-shirts bearing Alupo’s image and the slogan, “Aswamisinei nu Etakanete.”
Vice President Alupo welcomed the new supporters, describing their move as a demonstration of renewed confidence in her leadership.
“I sincerely welcome you all to my team of focused leadership,” she said. “You have made a wise and patriotic decision to join the winning team that delivers results and empowers communities.”
The defection is being interpreted as a significant and strategic boost for Her Excellency the Vice President in the district.
Alupo emphasized the importance of education and encouraged parents to send their children to school. She also highlighted the progress made in restoring peace and security in the region, which has enabled the government to implement development programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Program, and UWEP, among others.
Alupo assured the new supporters that cattle theft and insecurity in the region would no longer persist, attributing the improvement to disarmament efforts and enhanced security measures.
She further announced plans to upgrade the district’s road network, including the Gweri–Toroma–Magoro–Ngariam road, which will be upgraded to a first-class murram road. Additionally, Katakwi District Hospital and several health centers will be upgraded to higher levels.
Meanwhile, Stephen Okure Ilemukorit, the Resident District Commissioner for Katakwi, called for peaceful elections and urged voters not to allow external influence to affect the election outcome.
Okure emphasized the importance of candidates presenting their manifestos to the electorate and ending the campaign and election process with peace and a focus on development.
Last weekend, ministers Balam Barugahara and Ruth Nankabirwa, during a mammoth rally in Katakwi, praised VP Alupo as a passionate leader and a team player who works closely with colleagues in Cabinet to deliver services to Ugandans.
They urged the people of Katakwi to appreciate the trust President Museveni has placed in the Teso sub-region by appointing Alupo to the country’s second-highest office.
Nankabirwa described Alupo as a hardworking, passionate, and cooperative leader who shares her experience with others in Cabinet to ensure effective service delivery. She called on locals to fully support Alupo in the upcoming elections.
