Atima Shakes Kenya Ward With Record Turnout, Vows to Secure First-Ever Government Projects Amid Rising Political Tensions

ARUA: Jackson Atima Lee Buti, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party candidate for Arua Central Division, stunned observers on Saturday, November 15, 2025, as thousands of supporters escorted him through Arua town following a rally in Kenya ward.

The sea of yellow-clad supporters, predominantly women, transformed Arua city centre in a vibrant display of solidarity for the NRM flag-bearer, who is campaigning to retain his parliamentary seat in the January 15, 2026, elections.

Chanting various NRM songs, the enthusiastic crowd marched over three kilometres from Ozua cell, the rally venue to the OPM ground, where they bid Atima farewell before dispersing to their homes.

Addressing the gathering in Ozua, Atima praised Kenya ward residents for their overwhelming turnout and vowed not to disappoint them.

Likening the ward to “the Rwakitura of Arua Central Division” for its staunch NRM support, Atima urged local leaders to identify suitable land for government projects to benefit the community.

“Before this rally, I met with your leaders, who confirmed their unwavering backing for the NRM. They asked me to relay to President Museveni their request for rewards in the form of government projects. My task now is to return to Parliament and lobby for a major initiative here in Kenya ward,” Atima declared, to cheers from the crowd.

“You are the Rwakitura of Arua Central Division because of your loyal support for this government. I urge your leaders to pinpoint land where we can set up projects to employ youths and women. Kenya ward is the only area in Arua Central Division lacking institutions like schools and health units, despite your consistent votes for the NRM and me,” he emphasized.

Atima reiterated his commitment to legislative duties while completing unfinished initiatives in Arua Central Division.

A key priority, he said, is operationalizing the skilling centre he established in Osu.

“You recall that the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, launched the Skilling Centre here. However, after redirecting funds to support religious institutions, I was unable to equip and activate it. Send me back to Parliament, and I will ensure it becomes operational, providing jobs for our idle youths and women to sustain their families,” Atima appealed.

Speaking for the locals, Pepe Ondoga, the NRM chairperson for Kenya ward, pledged unwavering support, noting that the ward has never backed an independent or opposition candidate.

He added that, in return for their votes, Atima should prioritize lobbying for essential government facilities, including health units and schools, in the area.

Al-Hajj Isa Kato, the former Arua City Mayor warned some of Atima’s opponents against doing politics of religion.

Kato who is also the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Coordinator for Arua City said unlike Atima who doesn’t segregate based on religion or tribe, some of his opponents want to use religion as their main agenda to get votes.

He asked locals to shun such politicians because they risk dividing Arua Central Division along religious and tribal lines.