Published on 04/04/2025
Residents of Katine Subcounty in Dakabela County, Soroti District, on Friday received a significant boost in their fight against poverty, thanks to a high-profile empowerment outreach organized by the Office of the National Chairman (ONC).
The outreach, spearheaded by Chief Muzzukulu Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, saw a wide variety of wealth creation items from President Museveni’s Kyambogo office handed over to the Bazzukulu, with the aim of promoting self-employment and economic growth.
Hajjat Namyalo, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor and Political Assistant in charge of ONC, stormed the stage and used the opportunity to preach unity and discourage factionalism within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party ahead of the 2026 primaries.
She emphasized that the ONC’s priority is to support President Museveni, not endorse specific candidates for local positions.
“As ONC, our main candidate is the President, Jajja W’abazzukulu Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. We do not endorse any candidate for whichever position they’re standing for. However, if they come on board to help the Bazzukulu get empowered, we welcome them,” Hajjat Namyalo stated.
The ONC Boss particularly applauded Hon. Harriet Anyimo, the aspiring candidates for Dakabela County MP seat, for her significant contribution to the success of the outreach.
“Harriet supported this cause with over 75 million shillings to ensure we buy all these wealth creation items—sewing machines, sprayers, G.nut machines, among others,” Hajjat said, before extending additional gratitude to Peter Edeku Edopu, also a parliamentary aspirant for Dakabela County, for his recognizable support towards the initiative.
Local Leaders Raise Concerns
Soroti and Dakabela leaders used the outreach to remind Hajjat Namyalo of pending presidential pledges for the area, which among others include the establishment of a technical school, a secondary school, and the enhancement of NRM party structures for streamlined leadership.
Mr. Echiku Joseph, the NRM Chairperson for Katine Subcounty, told Hajjat that President Museveni had pledged these projects during his 2011 election campaign but upto now, nearly 15 years later, they remain unfulfilled.
Echiku also raised concerns over alleged injustices in the compensation process, noting that some long-serving NRM members have been overlooked by those managing the exercise which she implored Hajjat to also raise before the ruling party’s National Chairman.
A variety of wealth creation tools were distributed to empower the community, including; Brick-laying machines, Popcorn machines, Hair dryers, Chapati-making machines, Farm sprayers, Hand hoes, Sewing and Welding machines, among others.
Hajjat emphasized that the wealth creation items given out are aimed at rallying youths to engage in productive economic activities and achieve financial independence. The Chief Muzzukulu reiterated that the ONC remains committed to supporting grassroots efforts aimed at poverty eradication and skill development.
The event drew attendance from several political and government officials including Mr. Charles Elasu, the Senior Presidential Advisor and District NRM Chairperson, Mr. Edoru Simon Peter Ekuu, the LC5 Chairperson, Soroti RDC Paul Eseru, Deputy RCC Peter Pex Paak, Assistant RCC Enyalu Julius, and Ms. Teddy Acham, also known as Mama Acham, who chairs the NRM Elder Persons in Teso Sub-region.
Also present were various MP and District Chairperson aspirants on the NRM ticket, and Subcounty leaders from Dakabela County.
The Soroti empowerment outreach climaxed with an enigmatic performance from renowned Uganda rapper Gravity Omutujju, who thrilled the audience with his popular hits such as Winner, Money, Okwepiicha, and Doozi.
The initiative by Hajjat Namyalo’s ONC is part of the broader NRM agenda to eradicate poverty and promote economic empowerment among citizens, particularly the youth, as the party gears up for the 2026 elections.
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