Pallisa, Uganda: Residents of Kamuge, Boliso and Putiputi sub-counties have openly declared support for Julius Okurut Arecho, one of six contenders for the Pallisa County parliamentary seat, following an intensive village-to-village mobilisation campaign.
Okurut, who is facing Enock Okoler (DP), Ibrahim Aisu (NRM), Godfrey Kateu (NUP), Martin Owako (FDC) and Sam Odongo (Independent), on Monday addressed voters across Putiputi Sub-county as part of a harmonised campaign programme ahead of the January 15, 2026 general elections.
Speaking at Mpogi Primary School playground, where hundreds of residents gathered, Okurut used the platform to clarify claims circulating about his family background. He dismissed allegations linking him biologically to former Pallisa County MP Sam Otuko, describing them as deliberate attempts to mislead voters.
“My father was Peter Arecho, a renowned catechist. Our roots and burial grounds are in Komolo Village, Pallisa Sub-county,” Okurut said.
“Otuko’s father was Okello Ezedekia, originally from Akisim Sub-county. Associating me with Otuko because of body size or rumours that I was fronted or bought is simply propaganda.”
Okurut, a trained Community Development Officer, said his professional background gives him a deep understanding of grassroots poverty challenges in Pallisa. “Pallisa is badly hit by poverty. Some families eat only once a day. Sugar is bought only when a child is sick. These are clear indicators of poverty,” he told voters.
He said his campaign is anchored on enterprise development and mindset change rather than empty political promises. “I have a master plan to engage people in enterprises they can manage so that everyone has something to do without crying for jobs,” he said.
Okurut linked school dropout rates to hunger, noting that many pupils leave school due to lack of midday meals. “Children escape from school because when they miss the only meal at home, the day is gone,” he said, adding that government programmes like PDM, UWEP and Emyooga have not fully delivered due to poor beneficiary mindset.
He outlined his priorities as an MP, listing representation, legislation, oversight, budget scrutiny and constituency service, and urged voters to make informed choices on polling day. “Start with President Museveni, and on the MPs’ line, look for the borehole and tick,” he told the crowd.
Residents who attended the rallies praised Okurut’s approach.
Joseph Okia said Okurut’s engagement was more meaningful than rivals who “come like comedians, dance, abuse others and leave.”
Sula Mpangi said Okurut’s message influenced his voting decision, while Kolositika Kantono cited Okurut’s intervention in repairing a borehole that had been broken for six months. “We could not raise Shs600,000 due to poverty, but he repaired it without involving us,” Kantono said.
Penekasi Kauta said voters appreciate candidates who present written manifestos. “Some fear coming to face people because they have nothing written to be challenged on,” he said.
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