Ex-Minister Bakoko, MP Paparu drum up support for Atima in Arua Central Division
MP Atima arriving for his rally in Awindiri ward on Wednesday
ARUA CITY – The former Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Zoe Bakoko Bakoru, on Wednesday joined Arua District Woman Member of Parliament (MP), Lillian Paparu Obiale to rally support for Arua Central Division Parliamentary hopeful, Jackson Atima Lee Buti.
Atima, the incumbent MP and National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag-bearer for the 2026–2031 term, faces competition from five candidates drawn mainly from the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), National Unity Platform (NUP), Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), and two independents.
Speaking at a rally in Chongolea Cell, Awindiri Ward, Bakoko and Paparu urged voters in Arua Central Division to re-elect Atima, describing him as a leader who serves all constituents irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation.
“I have come here to ask you to vote for our flag-bearer, Jackson Atima Lee Buti. In the few years he has been in Parliament, Atima has served you diligently without considering tribe or religion. It is now time to give him another chance to represent you,” said Bakoko, who also serves as Arua City NRM Chairperson.
Bakoko called on residents to also support President Yoweri Museveni and all NRM candidates in Arua City in the 2026 general elections.
“We were in exile in the early 1980s because of war. Today, Uganda’s population is approaching 50 million because of the peace President Museveni has brought, giving people the stability to work and produce,” she noted.
She highlighted the establishment of Muni University, improved road networks, and the extension of electricity to West Nile as key achievements that should motivate voters to back Museveni and NRM candidates next year.
Woman MP Paparu echoed the call, emphasizing her excellent working relationship with Atima in Parliament and his strong lobbying skills.
“I have worked very well with Atima. He is among the MPs who fight hard for their people. He has served you without segregation. I therefore request you to return him to Parliament so that we can complete the development projects we started,” said Paparu, who is unopposed for the Arua District Woman MP seat.
Al-Hajj Isa Afeku Kato, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) taskforce chairperson for Arua City, told the rally that residents have “seen the light” in Atima and are determined to send him back to Parliament.
Kato criticized some of Atima’s opponents for misusing previous opportunities, saying they can no longer be trusted. He warned against politics based on religion and tribe, urging unity, a message he said Atima has consistently preached.
In his address, Atima said being the NRM flag-bearer positions him uniquely to sit at the same table with President Museveni and directly lobby for the needs of Arua Central Division.
He listed some of his achievements, including securing tractors for Arua City and other districts and municipalities in West Nile, ensuring payment for tobacco farmers, fighting for the extension of electricity to the region, ensuring construction of roads, and supporting faith-based institutions in Arua Central Division among others.
If re-elected, Atima pledged to push for an increase in Parish Development Model (PDM) funding from Shs100 million to Shs200 million per parish, so that more people benefit and jobs are created for youth and women through skills training programs.
Atima’s next rally will be held in his home area, Mvara ward on Friday, December 12, 2025 where a massive turn out is also expected.