By Chris Woo
Political dynamics in Oyam District are taking a new turn as more than 1,000 supporters from opposition parties prepare to cross over to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s highly anticipated rally scheduled for October 7, 2025, at Oyam Boma Grounds.
According to Bismark Isaac Olang, the NRM Administrative Secretary in Oyam, the group includes members from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and National Unity Platform (NUP). Their formal reception into the ruling party will be presided over during the president’s visit.
Olang said the wave of defections reflects the growing confidence in the NRM’s track record of development projects within the sub-region. He cited key government initiatives such as the construction of Rwenyu, the Apac–Lira Road, and the ongoing Akibua Stadium project as examples of the party’s commitment to infrastructure improvement. He added that residents are now strongly advocating for the creation of a new administrative unit, Aber District.
Oyam Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Francis Behangana confirmed that security and logistical arrangements are complete, assuring residents of a peaceful and well-organized event. He urged all community members, including opposition supporters, to attend and witness what he described as “a new chapter of unity and progress.”
Local leaders say the rally is expected to draw between 20,000 and 30,000 people from across the district. Tom Acuma, the NRM Chairperson for Aleka Sub-county, encouraged business operators to take advantage of the influx of visitors by providing quality goods and services during the event.
Meanwhile, residents have used the occasion to voice their development priorities. Among the key demands are the elevation of Anyeka Health Centre IV to a district hospital, tarmacking of the Loro–Oyam–Minakulu Road—proposed to be renamed Kaguta Road—and improvements to road networks within Iceme and Oyam Town Councils.
Former UPC District Councilor Rose Obuga from Loro Sub-county is among those joining NRM. She said she was disillusioned with the lack of tangible progress under her former party and expressed readiness to support President Museveni’s leadership.
As Oyam prepares for the president’s visit, the event is shaping up to be not only a political milestone but also a showcase of government achievements and local aspirations for greater development in northern Uganda.