Pallisa, Uganda: A sharp rift has emerged within the NRM leadership in Pallisa District over the choice of venue to host President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign rally slated for November 12, 2025.
The division pits leaders backing Kameke Primary School against those supporting Busitema University Pallisa Campus playground, with both camps insisting their preferred venue best represents the district’s interests.
Vincent Oluka Epoketom, the NRM chairperson for Kameke Sub-county, accused the district executive of turning a simple logistical issue into a political standoff. He revealed that he had formally written to RDC Magidu Dhikusooka requesting that Kameke host the rally, arguing it would bring the President closer to grassroots communities.
“I was shocked to hear that our leaders in the district executive, chaired by MP Derrick Orone, exchanged bitterly over whether the President should go to Kameke Primary School or Busitema playground,” Oluka said.
Supporters from Kameke, including Moses Angisa, the parish chairperson for Nyakoi, warned that the community would feel sidelined if Museveni’s visit skips their area. “If the few people at the district level deny us this chance, we shall leave them to vote alone. The President loves meeting the grassroots; denying him that opportunity is unfair,” Angisa warned.
David Ochwa, MP for Agule County and NRM district secretary general, backed Kameke’s bid, saying the sub-county and its breakaway areas—Akisim and Boliso—have never hosted the President.
“Let’s stay calm. The President has visited all sub-counties except Kameke. I’m confident this will be resolved in our favor,” Ochwa told supporters.
However, Derrick Orone, the district NRM chairperson and Gogonyo County MP, defended the proposal to use Busitema University, arguing it is centrally located and accessible to all corners of the district. “I’m the party chairman here. Busitema is central and ideal for a district-wide rally,” Orone stated.
RDC Magidu Dhikusooka called for calm, reminding supporters that this was a campaign rally, not a presidential visit, and the choice of venue should be viewed objectively. “Busitema is accessible for everyone, unlike Kameke, which would disfavour people from Pallisa and Gogonyo counties,” he said.
NRM district publicity secretary David Apua revealed that the dispute has reached the attention of David Calvin Echodu, the party’s vice chairperson for the Eastern Region, who has promised to intervene and restore unity.
Meanwhile, Herbert Okello, a political aspirant for Agule County, criticized leaders who “undermine” his area during key events. “When it comes to votes, you need Agule. But when it’s about presidential visits, you avoid it. That is unfair,” Okello said, urging fair treatment across the district.
District Police Commander Patience Namara assured that police remain committed to ensuring peace and security ahead of the rally.
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.
