By Nathan Eyagu 

Katakwi District – Her Excellency Vice President Jessica Alupo was officially nominated today, June 13, 2025, to contest as Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi District in the upcoming NRM primaries.

The nomination, held at the NRM Electoral Commission offices on Plot 13, was presided over by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Prof. Tanga Odoi, with all commissioners and NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong in attendance.

Following her nomination, VP Alupo released her election manifesto for the 2026–2031 term, outlining a comprehensive plan building on her extensive track record of achievements for Katakwi and the nation. The manifesto proudly details a snapshot of VP Alupo's accomplishments since joining Parliament, demonstrating her commitment to the NRM principles of Nationalism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy.

Security: She has been instrumental in the return and resettlement of internally displaced persons in the Karamoja and Teso sub-regions and the establishment of UPDF and Police barracks in Ngariam and Olilim to combat cattle rustling and enhance peace.

Health: Her impact on health is significant, marked by successful lobbying for hospital beds and medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, the upgrading of Katakwi Health Centre IV to a hospital, and securing ambulances for all counties. She also championed the establishment of a super-specialized hospital in Katakwi and Lwengo and organized eye camps that provided crucial medical care.

Agriculture: The sector has seen substantial growth under her leadership, with the delivery of heavy-duty and walking tractors, poverty alleviation projects (including goat distribution), and the provision of 30,000 kroiler chicks to women farmers. Her efforts also led to the desilting of valley dams, lobbying for irrigation schemes, and securing in-calf heifers for district councilors.

Education: VP Alupo has consistently supported academic excellence through scholastic materials and career guidance. She lobbied for the establishment of seed schools, Toroma Peas High School, Epel Memorial Technical Institute, and contributed to the establishment of Soroti University. Her efforts have secured scholarships for disadvantaged students and improved school infrastructure, including the fencing of Katakwi Township Primary School and Apeleun Primary School.

Spirituality: Her dedication is evident in her phased support to various religious denominations, including contributions towards the construction of places of worship and facilitating pilgrimages.

Transport: VP Alupo has supported boda boda riders with safety training and equipment, lobbied for critical road projects like the Getom-Olupe-Ariamiriam low-cost tarmac road, and advocated for motorable roads across the district. She secured the completion of key bridges and lobbied for ferry services and the construction of the Soroti-Katakwi-Moroto tarmac road.

Water and Sanitation: She has advocated for boreholes in every village, solar-powered piped water systems, and the establishment of valley dams. Her efforts also secured numerous boreholes from development partners and facilitated the repair of existing ones.

Energy: Her commitment is reflected in her lobbying for electricity connections to the district and the installation of solar power in schools and health centers.

Women, Youth, Elderly, and Disabled: VP Alupo has actively supported SACCOs with financial literacy training and seed capital. She has provided over 40 wheelchairs for people with disabilities, supported women's SACCOs, and facilitated skills training for 300 youths in various trades, providing them with essential kits. Notably, she lobbied for Katakwi District to host International Women’s Day in 2025, boosting local tourism.

Local Government: She has championed the creation of new administrative units, including counties, sub-counties, and town councils, enhancing service delivery.

ICT: Her work includes training youth on ICT skills through the Chinese Digitruck and providing computers to secondary schools to enhance digital literacy.

Sports/Games: She has donated a variety of sports equipment and successfully organized the "Alupo Cup Tournament 2024," promoting youth engagement and physical fitness.

Culture: She successfully lobbied for and hosted the Ateker Cultural Festival/Summit in Soroti City, fostering unity and promoting tourism and business opportunities. Her initiatives have also supported Parish Wealth Creation mobilizers with bicycles, underscoring her commitment to grassroots development.

Vision for 2026–2031: Alupo’s Pledge for the 12th Parliament

Looking ahead, VP Alupo’s manifesto outlines her continued commitment to her constitutional mandate of Legislation, Appropriation/Budgeting, Representation, and Oversight. Working with the NRM government, development partners, and the private sector, she pledges to:

Enhance Security: Work with the President to ensure peace and support veterans and their families.

Boost Education: Follow up on technical institutes and schools, lobby for scholarships, promote science, and push for improved school infrastructure and teacher recruitment.

Strengthen Health: Implement the presidential directive on super-specialized hospitals, strengthen health centers, ensure drug supply, and combat diseases.

Expand Energy Access: Extend electricity to all sub-county headquarters, health centers, schools, and trading centers; support solar and other energy alternatives.

Revolutionize Agriculture: Deliver tractors, train farmers in modern methods, improve irrigation and water harvesting, and supply improved seeds and livestock.

Empower Vulnerable Groups: Support SACCOs, promote inclusive sports, and boost youth, women, elderly, and disability-centered programs.

Foster Spirituality: Continue supporting religious groups for moral and community development.

Improve Water and Sanitation: Drill more boreholes and solar-piped systems, and improve public health awareness.

Protect the Environment: Promote tree planting and other climate resilience efforts.

Preserve Culture: Collaborate with cultural leaders to promote African heritage and access cultural funding.

Enhance Livelihoods: Encourage commercial agriculture and link farmers to markets.

Strengthen Local Government: Facilitate more administrative units for efficient service delivery.

Promote Games and Sports: Continue engaging youth in sports and talent development.

Develop Transport Infrastructure: Improve roads, bridges, and ferry systems for regional connectivity.

Drive Economic Growth: Attract investors, support industrialization, and expand local entrepreneurship.

With a solid record of delivery and a clear roadmap for continued transformation, VP Jessica Alupo reaffirms her unwavering commitment to the people of Katakwi and Uganda at large.