Arua RCC Akello Assures Locals of Peaceful Elections
MP Atima (seated on a car) waving to his supporters after his rally on Wednesday. Photo Credit, Andrew Cohen Amvesi
ARUA CITY – The Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Major (Rtd) Betty Akello, has assured the public of peaceful elections next year.
Akello, who also serves as the chairperson of the Arua City security committee, said authorities will take all necessary measures to prevent any form of violence during the 2026 general elections.
She made the assurance during a campaign rally for Jackson Atima Lee Buti at Lobida market in Tanganyika ward, Arua Central Division, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
Atima is the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Arua Central Division and the incumbent Member of Parliament, seeking re-election to retain his seat.
The rally, attended by thousands of Atima’s supporters, featured Akello’s pledge for free and fair elections.
“I want to commit myself, as the head of security, that we are going to have free and fair elections. We shall protect our votes, protect you, and protect all your property. We should not cause violence,” Akello said.
She commended Atima for uniting the people of Arua Central Division, emphasizing that unity is a key factor in ensuring peaceful co-existence.
“I want to appreciate Hon. Atima for uniting everybody in Arua City. Your unity is very important; the politics of division, the politics of religion, and the politics of tribalism are not good. So, we are one under the banner of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” Akello said, as she appealed to locals to vote for Jackson Atima and all other NRM flag bearers in Arua City.
Similarly, Gertrude Collins Obedi, the Commissioner for Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) in the West Nile region, stressed the need for unity.
“Let us be united; unity is power. As we leave here, tell those who are not around that unity is power. What has brought us here is one thing: on January 15, 2026, we need votes from all of us for all our NRM flag bearers, starting with Atima Jackson Lee Buti,” Obedi appealed.
Meanwhile, Atima used the rally to counter lies spread by his opponents about his record.
He presented to voters 240 iron sheets he had lobbied for from the Office of the Prime Minister for the women of Owino market, which opponents had falsely claimed he sold.
The iron sheets, stored at the Town Clerk’s office, include 190 for roofing Owino market and 50 for a shade at the skilling centre he established for youths and women in Arua Central Division.
The iron sheets will officially be delivered to the voters after elections next year.
Atima also played audio recordings of his parliamentary contributions on regional issues, such as demands for better roads and electricity, including during East African Community meetings, to debunk claims that he does not speak in Parliament.
He further paraded a minibus he purchased for his constituency as one of his many achievements.
Atima warned against smear campaigns and urged opponents to focus on presenting their manifestos rather than spreading lies about him.
His strategy of accountability and debunking falsehoods excited supporters, who escorted him in a long procession after the rally.
The MP is scheduled to address his next rally on Friday, December 19, 2025, in Pangisa ward, where he expects another large turnout.