Published on 20/06/2024
President Museveni’s Office of the National Chairman – NRM (ONC) on Thursday made a bold statement in Acholi region with a delivery of hundreds of empowerment tools to Bazzukulu to uplift themselves from the weary poverty in a mass wealth creation drive.
Led by its Political Head, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye who also doubles as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, the ONC pitched camp at Padibe Boys Primary School Playground in Padibe Town Council, Lamwo district where thousands of Bazzukulu gathered to welcome the Chief Muzzukulu who carried the President’s message on wealth creation.
The event which attracted top area leaders in the District including Members of Parliament was also blessed by the retired Gulu Archbishop, John Baptist Odama who blessed Hajjat Namyalo upon her arrival on the afternoon, before officially opening the function.
In his respective address to the crowd at Padibe ground, Dr Okulu Anthony, the area Member of Parliament for Padibe Constituency, thanked the office of the National Chairman for empowering the youth and women.
Dr Oluku welcomed Hajjat Namyalo to Lamwo, also known as the Yellow District but lamented the poor state of roads and called upon the government to tarmac the road from Kitgum to Lamwo and even other roads.
The area MP added that Lamwo district will remain yellow no matter what. He said that the problem in Uganda is low-income generating issues and commended the ONC boss for championing empowerment for the youth and women.
The Woman Member of Parliament for Lamwo district Hon. Acora Nancy Odonga thanked Chief Muzzukulu for thinking about Lamwo. “I take this time to thank Hajjat Namyalo for putting Lamwo at heart and coming to empower the youth and women,” she said.
The Woman MP called upon ONC to not stop at this mega-empowerment event but to return in the near future and urged all beneficiaries to utilize the tools effectively to combat poverty in their homes.
Ms Acora also noted that the people of Lamwo are firmly behind President Museveni for the 2026 elections and expressed confidence that 99% would vote for him.
“President Museveni must appear on the ballot in 2026. We shall make sure that he appears on the ballot. Even if he says no, we say yes for him,” she asserted.
The Acholi leaders also called on ONC to consider building an NRM office in Lamwo district for better services to the people.
On another note, Mr. Oyet Sisto Oven, the LC5 Chairperson Lamwo District, thanked Hajjat Namyalo for supporting the youths. He, however, expressed concerns that ONC empowering the poor might cause divisions within the NRM in Lamwo.
Taking the podium, Hajjat Namyalo addressed the concerns raised by some political leaders, especially the LC 5 Chairperson, about disunity. She however set the records straight that the office she heads is purposely in Lamwo for empowerment and not to fight or be involved in local politics, and therefore for unity for the betterment of the President’s Bazzukulu.
“We have not come here for politics but to empower the poor people like you. ONC is not here to fight any MP or leader. If the LC 5 says that our presence here will cause conflicts and divisions in the party, then I do not understand him. Do you want your people to remain poor?” she questioned.
Hajjat Namyalo also shared a report from youths in Gulu City who informed her that a government official had stolen a government car and was using it for personal benefits instead of serving the people of Gulu.
The Chief Muzzukulu promised to conduct further investigations into these pressing matters. She emphasized her commitment to serving President Museveni and poor Ugandans.
She urged all beneficiaries to use the empowerment tools wisely to overcome poverty and also create jobs for others.
While still addressing the people of Lamwo, district LC 3 Councilors reported to Namyalo that they had not received their salaries for three years. In response, Namyalo promised to follow up on this matter and, if possible, prepare a brief report to forward to the President.
Among the empowerment tools donated to the organized groups included brick laying machines, Hoes, oxen ploughs, sprayers, carpentry tools, charcoal stoves, salon dryers, shaving machines, welding machines, tailoring machines, hand dryers, frying pans, mechanic tools boxes among others.
