Zombo, Uganda: Security and political leaders in Zombo District have cautioned National Resistance Movement (NRM) cadres and residents to maintain peace and order ahead of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign rally slated for Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Zombo Upper Primary School playground.
The rally marks a key moment for the district of over 300,000 residents—more than 100,000 of whom are estimated to be staunch NRM loyalists—as the President seeks to consolidate support in the West Nile sub-region ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua confirmed that preparations were progressing smoothly across security, political, and mobilization fronts. He, however, acknowledged the youth’s frustration over delayed payments from the grassroots elections but reassured them that their concerns are being addressed.
“We are committed to resolving these issues and call upon the youth to continue supporting the government and joining efforts to fight corruption,” Ayikobua said, emphasizing the need for discipline and unity during the campaign.
He stressed that authorities expect an orderly event, adding that the rally provides an opportunity for voters to “engage with the President’s vision for prosperity and make informed choices.”
Zombo Woman MP and Parliamentary Commissioner Esther Afoyochan echoed the RDC’s appeal, urging the youth to uphold peace and discipline.
“I implore our youth to remain calm and peaceful as we host the President. Any chaos will only undermine our cause,” she said, rallying constituents to mobilize strongly for the NRM under the campaign theme, “Protecting the Gains.”
Zombo Youth Chairperson Amos Jacan also urged young voters to attend the rally and listen to the President’s message, expressing optimism that key local demands would be addressed—particularly the rehabilitation of the 119km Nebbi–Goli–Paidha–Zombo–Zeu–Warr–Vuura road, the creation of a district hospital, and the elevation of Paidha Town Council to municipal status.
“We believe the President will provide clear commitments on our road network and health services, which remain the biggest bottlenecks to local development,” Jacan said.
The poor state of the road network remains the top grievance among Zombo residents, uniting both NRM supporters and opposition sympathizers. A senior district official confirmed that the memorandum to be presented to the President focuses exclusively on road infrastructure.
“Our priorities are clear: first, roads; second, roads; and third, roads. Other issues can wait,” the official emphasized.
District Councillor Francis Bolingo of Athuma Sub-county rallied residents to turn up in large numbers and urged event organizers to ensure the road issue takes center stage in the President’s address.
Zombo has consistently voted overwhelmingly for the NRM in past elections, often delivering over 70% of the total votes cast. RDC Ayikobua reaffirmed confidence in the President’s leadership.
“We must give our President another term to complete his transformative agenda for our district and region,” he said.
Despite this strong support base, local leaders admit that poor infrastructure continues to frustrate mobilization efforts. President Museveni, who launched his West Nile campaign trail in Pakwach earlier this week, is expected to address Nebbi District and Municipality at Namrwodho Primary School before proceeding to Zombo, where he will deliver what officials describe as a “message of hope.”
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
