Africa-Press – Uganda. Vice President Jessica Alupo has been elected unopposed as Chairperson of the NRM Veterans League for Ongongoja Sub-county in Katakwi District, Eastern Uganda.
The declaration was made by Mary Alupo, the Ongongoja Sub-county Registrar, during elections held at Ongongoja Secondary School.
Her announcement drew applause from a crowd of party delegates drawn from all nine parishes of the sub-county.
Each parish—Aketa Town Board, Oburatum, Ongatunyo, Milimil, Obwobwo, Ongongoja, Aketa, Akomotukoi and Okuda—sent 30 voters representing youth, women, mainstream NRM members, the elderly and veterans, totalling 270 delegates.
Addressing the gathering, Alupo invoked the core values of the ruling party—nationalism, pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation and democracy—which she summarised as patriotism.
“Every Ugandan must hold these four values at heart,” she said.
She thanked the veteran community in Katakwi for trusting her with the leadership role and promised development in the sub-county, including an upcoming water connection to Okuda Parish.
She also mentioned plans to construct a road from Ongongoja to Karamoja, which she said would improve service delivery.
“Our sub-counties are large,” she added, expressing hope that President Yoweri Museveni would consider creating new administrative units.
“When new districts or counties are created, Ongongoja should be considered for division.”
Usuk County MP Patrick Opolot Isiagi, who attended the event as an observer, commended the voters for turning up and participating in the elections.
He thanked them for backing Alupo’s unopposed bid and expressed hope that she would receive similar support at the district level in the coming week.
Some of the delegates who participated in the election included Bastantino Ongorok, Joseph Opus, Isaac Okwaino, Charles Opio, and Stanstino Eswamait.
Following her election, Alupo joined a youth gathering at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Katakwi Town Council, where she addressed young people on responsible citizenship.
She urged them to avoid abusing rights in the name of child protection and encouraged them to exercise self-discipline.
“Don’t strike in schools or cause chaos in town. Solve disputes in a mature way and use state institutions to address your grievances,” she said, stressing the importance of growing into responsible leaders.
She left the youth with two Biblical messages, urging them to love God and the church, and to heed Proverbs, which she quoted as teaching that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Alupo discouraged young girls from indulging in behaviours she described with the local phrases Okadinong and Owokiwok, warning of health risks, and urged boys to stay away from drugs.
“Parents should keep a close eye on you as you grow,” she advised.
She donated Shs10 million to the youth, recommending they invest it in goat rearing to reduce poverty.
Commending their plans for skilling, animal husbandry, and poultry farming, she promised continued support, saying she was already in touch with someone who would help equip the St. Stephen Skilling Centre.
“I also urge that the Centenary Bank branch under construction in Katakwi be completed quickly so that the youth have a place to save their money,” she said.
Rev. Fr. Olivie Wayesu of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church also addressed the youth, pledging the church’s continued support.
“Many youth have gone on to university, others to colleges and vocational centres, thanks to Katakwi Youth Network,” he said.
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