Minister Anite Urges the people of West Nile to Back Museveni for Continued Development
Minister Evelyn Anite speaking to NRM supporters in Arua ahead of President Museveni's coming Nextweek
ARUA CITY: The Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, Hon. Evelyn Anite, has called on the residents of the West Nile region to support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in what she described as his final term, emphasizing the need to sustain and expand ongoing development projects in the region.
Speaking in Arua on Friday ahead of President Museveni’s visit to launch his 2026 manifesto, Minister Anite highlighted key government achievements in West Nile, including connecting the region to the national electricity grid, implementing the Parish Development Model (PDM), and advancing major road infrastructure projects.
She urged residents to rally behind the newly elected National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearers to ensure continued progress and effective governance.
“The people are excited about the President’s visit and have expressed gratitude for his contributions,” Anite said.
“They say this is a season to thank President Museveni by voting overwhelmingly for him. Through initiatives like the PDM, he has secured their future and empowered them for wealth creation. I urge everyone to give the President their full support.”
In response, the West Nile Effort for Museveni group, led by Chairperson Abdallah Muhamud, pledged to deliver 90% of the region’s votes to President Museveni in the 2026 general election.
However, they appealed to the NRM leadership to prioritize employing local residents, particularly youths and women, for campaign activities, noting that outsiders are often hired instead.
“We are committed to securing a 90% voter turnout for Museveni,” Muhamud said. “Our group is mobilizing votes to ensure the NRM retains power in this final term.”
Manu Padlock, the Ghetto Youth Chairperson for Arua City Central Division, echoed these sentiments but expressed concerns about limited opportunities for local youths.
He urged the NRM to engage young people in campaign tasks such as poster placement and mobilization and to establish skilling hubs to boost economic empowerment.
“I’m concerned because my youths are being overlooked,” Padlock said. “People from Kampala are brought to handle tasks like putting up posters in Arua. West Nile has 13 districts with only two opposition MPs, showing our loyalty to the NRM. Yet, regions with stronger opposition seem to receive more support. Still, we love President Museveni and aim to deliver 95% of the youth vote.”
In the 2021 general election, President Museveni secured 67% of the votes in the West Nile region.