BY RICHARD ELIMU
Historically, Teso has been an opposition stronghold, with opposition propagandists making it extremely challenging for an NRM candidate to win. Over the past years, the opposition, particularly the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, has been spreading rumors and harmful propaganda that H.E President Museveni and the NRM government plan to seize land from the people of Teso and sell it to outsiders.
FDC has also exploited the issue of cattle raids by the Karamojong, claiming it is a deliberate strategy by the NRM government to keep the people of Teso in abject poverty. Additionally, the opposition mobilized people against the ruling party by leveraging the Kony insurgency, which displaced many, caused numerous deaths, and destroyed property.
Cattle compensation is another area where the opposition has deceived the people, creating a belief that there is no transparency, despite the government injecting billions of shillings into this initiative.
In 2006, the FDC nearly swept all leadership positions in Teso sub-region. Prominent figures like Captain Mukula, Grace Akello, Christine Amongin Aporu, Charles Peter Koluo, and Samuel Anyolo were defeated by the opposition wave. The NRM only managed to secure seats in Amuria County, with Hon. Ecweru elected and H.E. Jesica Alupo winning as Katakwi district Woman MP.
The NRM conceded defeat, assessed the situation, and began mobilizing by focusing on service delivery and dismantling the opposition’s lies and propaganda. The NRM government implemented various development projects in the region, such as road construction, electricity extension in rural areas, the construction of schools like Soroti University and many other seed secondary schools, and healthcare facilities, which have significantly improved the quality of life for the people of Teso. Notable projects include the Soroti Fruit Factory, Soroti-Lira Road, Soroti-Moroto Road, Pallisa-Kumi Road, and the Presidential Skilling Hub, which has helped skill disadvantaged youths in the region.
Teso is largely an agricultural region, and the NRM government has capitalized on this by providing support to farmers through initiatives like Operation Wealth Creation, NAADS, and Emyooga, which have improved agricultural productivity and incomes.
In terms of peace and security, the NRM government has maintained stability in the region, allowing residents to pursue their livelihoods without fear of conflict or insecurity. The issue of Karamojong rustling and killings is no longer a concern.
In Teso today, discussing NRM’s victory inevitably includes mentioning influential figures like H.E Alupo Jessica Epel, Hon. Mike Mukula, , Charles Elasu, Christine Amongin Aporu, Popurasi Olupot of Ngora, George Egunyu, Hon. Musa Ecweru, Ateker Ejalu(RIP), JJ Odongo, Kwame Ejalu, Joseph Ariong, Hellen Adoa, Peter Ogwang, Bisanga Willy, Ismael Orot, Patrick Isiagi, and recently, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, among others. However, it is important to note that these factors could change if the NRM fails to address some underlying issues currently being promoted by the opposition.
One such issue is cattle compensation. Some people believe there is a lack of transparency in this exercise, suspecting that the government only addresses compensation during elections, compensates a few people, and then waits for the next election cycle.
Another issue is the lack of ideological orientation for upcoming politicians and those joining the NRM from other parties. Some new converts and emerging politicians know very little about NRM ideology, causing confusion that, if not well managed, may affect NRM’s popularity in Teso.
Additionally, infighting among prominent figures in the Teso sub-region is not only hampering service delivery but also delaying development. There are also unfulfilled promises made by some NRM candidates during campaigns, which could impact the party’s standing.
All in all, the NRM government under the leadership of H.E President Museveni has been instrumental in pacifying the Teso region. No land has been taken, there is no more insecurity or cattle raids, and the party structures are well established and coordinated. In my view, the opposition will not have any avenue to deceive the Iteso again. The NRM party is destined for victory in the 2026 elections.
Mr Richard Elimu
The Writer is NRM Chairperson and Flag Bearer for Gweri County, Soroti District.