High poverty levels in Moroto District continue to influence electoral choices, with many residents opting for candidates who provide immediate survival support rather than those offering long-term development agendas. Residents say the trend has entrenched the monetization of politics, making it difficult for voters to select leaders based on competence and proven track records.
Florence Ongom, a resident of Labour Line in Kamuswahili Ward, Moroto Municipality, said desperation drives many into transactional voting. “With the poverty levels in Moroto, many people vote where there is survival,” Ongom said. Bosco Okwi, a resident of Acholi Inn, argued that despite the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s dominance in the region, tangible development remains elusive. He said communities continue to face challenges such as inadequate access to clean water, poverty, and unfulfilled promises.
“The community is still suffering. Let God take charge of selecting the right leaders by giving us wisdom as voters,” he said. Simon Nangiro, the Chairperson of the Karamoja Elders Association, noted that voter bribery escalates during difficult seasons such as prolonged drought and food shortages. He urged communities to reject handouts if they want to elect leaders who can address the region’s structural problems.
“Choices of the right people are sometimes compromised because some politicians take advantage of the region’s situation,” Nangiro said. Meanwhile, Hellen Kiyai, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Woman MP candidate for Moroto District, has encouraged the people of Karamoja to consider supporting the opposition, arguing that this is the only way the region can demand accountability and secure meaningful development.
Kiyai said Karamoja’s support for the ruling party has not translated into better services, improved livelihoods, or the implementation of key manifesto commitments. She noted that the region remains trapped in poverty, insecurity, and limited opportunities despite decades of political loyalty.
Kiyai added that her move to FDC was inspired by the party’s people-centred agenda under the leadership of Nathan Nandala Mafabi.
She said her campaign focuses on socio-economic transformation, household empowerment, and improving livelihoods. According to her, many young people are returning to kraals due to lack of jobs, teenage pregnancies are rising, and a significant number of street children in Kampala originate from Karamoja. Kiyai is contesting against Stella Atiang (NRM), Lucy Chegem Apio (Independent), and Bolisca Apuun (Independent). However, Moroto Municipality Mayor and NRM flag bearer Mohammed Ismail said the opposition should acknowledge the peace and stability President Yoweri Museveni has ushered into the sub-region. He urged young people to remain patient and take advantage of government programmes instead of abandoning the ruling party. “It’s a matter of patience and trust to thrive,” he said.
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