Ex-Minister Bakoko Praises MP Atima for Bringing Minister Balaam to Arua
MP Atima expresses a point as Bakoko looked on during the press conference on Sunday. Photo Credit, Andrew Cohen Amvesi
ARUA CITY – Former Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Zoe Bakoko Bakoru, has commended Arua Central Division NRM Parliamentary flag bearer, Jackson Atima Lee Buti, for his strong working relationship with the government.
She highlighted that this connection has resulted in the visit of Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.
Minister Balaam is scheduled to arrive in Arua Central Division today (Monday, January 12, 2026) to conclude Atima’s campaign trail with a major event at OPM grounds. The Minister is expected to engage with various groups, particularly the youth, before addressing a public rally in the evening.
This is not the first time Atima has attracted high-profile government figures to Arua Central Division. During his tenure in office, Atima successfully invited Vice President Jessica Alupo to support the construction of a mosque in the constituency.
He also brought President Yoweri Museveni’s younger brother, Michael Nuwagira Kaguta (popularly known as Toyota), who contributed to the construction of Ojulua Chapel, as well as Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki, who helped resolve tax-related issues in the West Nile region, among other dignitaries.
This marks the second visit by Minister Balaam to Arua Central Division. Two years ago, he commissioned a community mini-bus that Atima purchased for his constituents.
During a press conference held at Hill Top Hotel on Sunday, Bakoko thanked MP Atima for his excellent government connections, which have brought significant benefits to the area.
“I’m happy that Hon. Atima works very closely with the government. These are some of the benefits: having a whole minister visit your constituency to engage the people on projects, seek accountability for funds disbursed to Arua City, and provide information about government programs that youth can benefit from,” said Bakoko, who also serves as the Arua City NRM Chairperson.
She added: “You may be aware that 30 percent of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds are supposed to go to the youth, but many young people are unaware of this. That’s why you often see youths absent when money is being distributed to beneficiaries at the parish level.”
Bakoko urged residents of Arua Central Division and surrounding areas to turn out in large numbers to welcome Minister Balaam.
In his remarks, Atima who also serves as Deputy Coordinator for the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) in Northern Uganda, said the youth mobilization rally, graced by Minister Balaam, aims to rally support for President Yoweri Museveni and all NRM flag bearers, including himself, across Arua City and the wider West Nile region.
“So, we are calling on all the youth of Arua City, Central Division, and the entire West Nile region to turn up in big numbers to receive their minister,” Atima said.
He outlined the day’s program: upon arrival, the Minister will meet with NRM youth structures, followed by a session with ghetto leaders, before holding a Baraza rally at OPM grounds. There, he will interact with civil servants and the general population.
According to Atima, Minister Balaam will be particularly interested in assessing how government programs such as PDM, Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Program, and Women Empowerment initiatives have benefited the people.
“The Minister will want to gather information from civil servants, share it with the population, and obtain direct feedback on how these programs have impacted lives. This will help the people appreciate and embrace the service delivery provided by the NRM government,” Atima explained.
He concluded by welcoming everyone across the region to attend and hear from Hon. Minister Balaam, the keynote speaker of the occasion.
Shortly after the press briefing, Atima visited Mvara Ward, where he interacted with residents at his home. The elders blessed him ahead of the elections scheduled for Thursday.
Speaking on behalf of the elders, prominent cultural leader Mike Agondoa noted that in the past four and a half years in Parliament, Atima had achieved a great deal for his people, a key reason they were blessing him to return and accomplish even more.
Throughout his campaign rallies, Atima has consistently drawn huge crowds, predominantly women and youth, who have pledged to vote for him and President Museveni in the upcoming January 15, 2026, elections.