With just a day to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries, a total of 78 supporters formerly allied to Akurut Violet Adome and Anuken Angela have defected to Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo’s camp, citing neglect and disorganization in their previous camps.
The defectors claim that despite their tireless efforts to mobilize support among youth, women, and adults, their contributions were never recognized.
They described the leadership in Akurut and Anuken’s teams as poorly managed, inactive, and unresponsive to the needs of the district’s vulnerable communities. The group praised Vice President Alupo for championing peace and development in the region.
They cited her support for education, healthcare, infrastructure, livestock breeding initiatives, provision of mother kits, and restoration of boreholes as major motivators for their shift in allegiance.
Wearing yellow T-shirts emblazoned with Alupo’s image and the slogan “Aswamisinei nu Etakanete,” the new supporters were received with jubilation during a campaign event.
Addressing the crowd, Vice President Alupo welcomed the defectors and described 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 mass defection is being viewed as a strategic boost to Alupo’s campaign.
She reiterated the government’s achievements in restoring peace and enhancing security, which have enabled the rollout of flagship development programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Programme, and UWEP.
Alupo assured her supporters that the days of cattle theft and insecurity in the region were over, crediting the government’s disarmament operations and security measures.
She also announced plans to upgrade the Gweri–Toroma–Magoro–Ngariam road to first-class murram status and elevate Katakwi District Hospital and several health centres to higher standards.
Katakwi Resident District Commissioner, Stephen Okure Ilemukorit, urged voters to maintain peace during the elections and avoid external interference. He emphasized the importance of candidates sharing their manifestos and conducting the electoral process peacefully.
At a rally held over the weekend, Ministers Balam Barugahara and Ruth Nankabirwa applauded Vice President Alupo, describing her as a dedicated leader who works collaboratively with Cabinet colleagues to deliver services to Ugandans.
They called on Katakwi residents to recognize the trust President Museveni placed in the Teso sub-region by appointing Alupo to the country’s second-highest office.