Museveni paints Otuke, Alebtong yellow as Lango welcomes NRM Gains

Otuke/Alebtong, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM party presidential candidate, on Thursday painted the Lango districts of Otuke and Alebtong yellow as thousands turned up for his second day of campaign rallies in the sub-region.

In his address, President Museveni thanked the people of Alebtong and Otuke for their historical loyalty to the NRM, recalling the difficult days of insurgency and cattle rustling. He promised continued support through restocking programs and highlighted the government’s achievements in the district.

Museveni listed Alebtong’s NRM “scorecard,” which includes electricity extension, improved murrum roads; set to be upgraded through Aloi, Apala, Alebtong to Abim, education infrastructure with 76 government UPE schools, 122 private schools, and 7 USE schools, as well as economic empowerment initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, Youth Funds, Emyooga, and the Women Fund.

“If I am given an extension to manage our resources, I will not allow the money to be used to import whiskey and perfumes. It will be to maintain and extend the economic foundation through roads, railway, and electricity,” Museveni pledged.

The two rallies, attended by members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), showcased the party’s bid to consolidate support ahead of the 2026 polls. Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, who also doubles as NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), rallied supporters to give Museveni “100 percent” in the two districts.

“On top of that, there is going to be silent competition between men and women. I appeal to women to come out victorious, recalling where President Museveni picked us from to the level we are now,” Speaker Among told cheering crowds.

NRM Director of Information and Publicity, Hon. Emmanuel Dombo, hailed the turnout, urging supporters to replicate the same energy at the ballot box. “Thank you, Lango people for speaking loud and clear and welcoming the NRM presidential flag bearer in such huge numbers. Tomorrow we shall be in Apac and Kwania districts,” Dombo said.

NRM Secretary General, Hon. Richard Todwong, also expressed gratitude to the people of Otuke for what he called “overwhelming love” for the party and its candidate. “Your energy assures us that victory is only days away,” Todwong added.

Lango’s Voting Trends: What History Means for 2026

Historically, the Lango sub-region has been a battleground of shifting political allegiances, with NRM support fluctuating over the years. In earlier elections, opposition parties like UPC commanded significant support in the region, occasionally outcompeting the ruling party. However, from 2011 onwards, President Museveni’s performance improved, registering about 57.8% in 2011, 53.8% in 2016, and a strong 66.5% in 2021 across Lango.

Despite these gains, recent by-elections in districts like Oyam and Dokolo revealed vulnerabilities, with UPC candidates and independents reclaiming ground, fueled by local dissatisfaction and party primary disputes. Analysts note that NRM’s internal cohesion and service delivery remain critical determinants for the 2026 vote.

For NRM, the major challenge in Lango will be consolidating its base while preventing opposition resurgence. Youth and women voters are expected to play a decisive role, and effective mobilization on polling day will be crucial. The party’s strategy will therefore hinge not only on showcasing past achievements but also on bridging service delivery gaps in health, education, and roads.

Next Campaign?

President Museveni will tomorrow, Friday, October 03, pitch camp in Apac and Kwania Districts before taking a weekend rest, and then resume on Monday, October 6, in Kole, Lira District, and Lira City.