By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential candidate, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has questioned the credibility of the National Unity Platform (NUP)’s membership register, describing the opposition party as “shallow and incapable of authenticating its membership.”
Museveni’s remarks followed NUP’s failed attempt to nominate Florence Asio, a relative of the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, as a competitor for the Bukedea District Woman Member of Parliament seat. The attempt was later withdrawn after it was discovered that Asio could not challenge Speaker Among.
Speaking during his NRM Presidential campaign rally at Bukedea District Headquarters, Museveni praised the NRM fraternity for their unity and discipline, citing several unopposed candidates in various elective positions. He commended the decision to allow Speaker Anita Among to run unopposed for the Bukedea Woman MP seat, saying it saved both time and resources for the party.
The NRM candidate assured the people of Bukedea District and the Teso Sub-region of the government’s continued capacity to maintain peace and stability, noting that recent efforts had successfully neutralized rebel groups and curbed cattle rustling in neighboring Karamoja.
Museveni also outlined plans to tarmac the remaining major roads in Teso as part of the government’s last-mile infrastructure development strategy. The projects include: Kumi–Ngora–Kagwara Road, Soroti–Amuria–Obaranga–Abim Road and Katakwi–Toroma Road
He further committed to ensuring effective electricity distribution in the few remaining areas of Bukedea and detailed implementation of the Lake Kyoga Gravity Water Flow Scheme. Museveni noted that the newly commissioned Acomai Irrigation Scheme would boost agricultural productivity and control flooding in the region.
On social development, the NRM flagbearer reiterated his government’s commitment to free universal education in public schools and pledged continued improvement in healthcare and education infrastructure in Bukedea.
Museveni reaffirmed that the NRM government operates on a knowledgeable and truthful political ideology that has driven socioeconomic transformation through peace, wealth creation, and job opportunities. He cited programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other empowerment initiatives as key drivers of community wealth and employment.
During the rally, NRM National Vice Chairperson (Female) and Speaker Anita Among introduced several independent NRM-leaning parliamentary aspirants who had stepped down in favor of official party candidates. Among them was Florence Asio, who had initially sought to contest under the NUP ticket.
Vice President Jesca Alupo lauded the NRM government’s achievements in stabilizing the Teso Sub-region through the disarmament of Karamoja and fostering political harmony based on shared interests.
Meanwhile, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Calvin Echodu, reaffirmed the Teso region’s strong support for President Museveni and the ruling NRM government.
