For the first time in history, West Nile is seeing massive crowds gather in support of NRM Presidential candidate, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. State Minister of Finance for Investment, Hon. Evelyn Anite, says the rallies are the largest the region has ever seen.
“I have been mobilizing in West Nile for years, but I have never seen anything like this,” Anite said. “The support we are seeing is real, it’s from the people themselves, and it is the first time we are seeing such huge rallies for President Museveni in this region.”
Support Growing Every Election
Anite explained that support for President Museveni in West Nile has been growing steadily. In 1996, the region gave him 53% of the votes. That number rose to 67% in the last election. “We are not just guessing. Surveys show that this time, we may reach 93% support,” she said.
Electricity Brings New Hope
One of the biggest reasons for this strong support, Anite says, is the recent connection of West Nile to Uganda’s national electricity grid.
“For many years, our people lived in darkness while the rest of Uganda had electricity. Now, West Nile is connected. And more villages are getting power soon,” she explained. “People now believe in President Museveni’s promises because they are seeing real change.”
Healing the Past
Anite also said that some people in West Nile had feared that President Museveni would never forgive the region because of past conflicts during the time of former President Idi Amin. Some groups even fought against Museveni’s government in the past.
But that has changed.
“President Museveni did not jail them. Instead, he has paid them – UGX 17 billion so far – to support them as ex-servicemen,” Anite said. “These former fighters are now speaking to the people and telling them, ‘Museveni is a good leader. He forgave us. Support him.’”
Women and Families Feel the Impact
Anite added that government support has also reached ordinary families through the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs.
“Many people in West Nile are business-minded. These government funds have helped women and men start small businesses and feed their families,” she said. “Even women who were afraid to vote before, because their husbands controlled them, are now standing with their families to support President Museveni.”
A Vision for the Future
President Museveni’s promise to lift families out of poverty is touching lives, Anite said. Many families still live in grass-thatched houses, but the government is working to improve their incomes so they can build better homes.
“Through PDM, Emyooga, and wealth creation funds, people now believe that change is possible,” she said. “They no longer think government programs are only for the rich. They are seeing change with their own eyes.”
Jobs for the Youth
One of the biggest challenges in West Nile is youth unemployment. Because of past conflicts, many young people returned from South Sudan and Congo without proper education.
But Minister Anite says this is also changing.
The government is building four industrial parks in Nebbi, Yumbe, Koboko, and Madi-Okollo. Electricity is already available, and studies are complete. The next step is to attract investors to bring factories and jobs.
“West Nile people are hardworking. Many of the workers in Lugazi, Kakira, and other factories come from here,” Anite said. “Now, jobs will come closer to home, and young people are very excited.”
Minister Anite believes that the strong support shown in the current rallies will turn into real votes in the next election. “This support is not bought. It is organic. It is real,” she said. “President Museveni has delivered real results for our people – power, peace, forgiveness, and opportunity. That’s why West Nile is ready to vote for him like never before.”
In West Nile, so far, President Museveni has held rallies in Pakwach, Zombo, Nebbi, Madi-Okollo, Arua, Koboko, and Maracha. He still has Yumbe, Moyo, Obongi, Terego, and Adjumani remaining. Tomorrow, the President will hold two rallies, starting in Terego and then heading to Yumbe.
