Pallisa, Uganda: Former Pallisa County MP Aspirant, Julius Okurut, has declared his intention to contest as an independent candidate in the forthcoming parliamentary elections, a move that has attracted widespread backing from across the constituency’s eight sub-counties.
Okurut, who recently petitioned the NRM Electoral Tribunal over the party flagbearer results but was dissatisfied with the outcome that favored Ibrahim Aisu, said he could not stand by and watch Pallisa continue to suffer “poor representation and failed service delivery.”
“I am ready for the final rescue battle because leaving the race has only worsened service delivery. As a community development officer, I understand people’s needs. Handouts cannot root communities out of poverty — we need to focus on commercial agriculture and income-generating enterprises,” Okurut said.
He confirmed that while contesting as an independent, he remains NRM-leaning and will continue to campaign for President Museveni. “At all my rallies I will open with Museneniii Oyeee, NRM Oyeee, even as I hunt for my own votes,” he added.
Community voices rally behind Okurut
Residents across Pallisa sub-counties expressed optimism in Okurut’s return, hailing his manifesto as people-centered and development-driven.
Jeremiah Ariong, NRM flagbearer for Pallisa Sub-County, welcomed Okurut’s candidature, saying it would strengthen Museveni’s support base. “Now that Okurut is on the ballot, President Museveni will score at least 90% here. Honestly, Okurut was rigged out in the primaries. We need him back,” he said.
Beatrice Esaete from Olok Sub-County praised Okurut’s focus on poverty alleviation over tokenism. “Most leaders give us chairs, tents, and ambulances. Okurut wants us to have sustainable incomes so we can buy what we need. That is real leadership,” she said.
Denis Arikod noted Okurut’s push for group enterprises and cooperatives would improve market bargaining power and livelihoods, while Anthony Kirya from Kasodo Sub-County applauded him for rejecting tribal politics. “Pallisa is multi-ethnic, but Okurut has never discriminated. We need unity of purpose, not divisions,” he emphasized.
A manifesto as a ‘social contract’
Okurut pledged to launch his manifesto as a binding “social contract” with constituents. “It is not enough to verbally address people. I will document my manifesto so that the people can hold me accountable. My plan will also align with the NRM manifesto to ensure both are achieved concurrently,” he said.
The Pallisa County MP race has so far attracted Okurut Julius (Independent), Opio Okoler Enock (DP), Okurut Diaz (Independent), and Aisu Ibrahim (NRM).
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