By James Alomu

KALAKI DISTRICT — As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries draw near, a wave of fresh political energy is sweeping through Kalaki District, centered around one name: Asako Monica. With her grassroots-driven campaign for Woman Member of Parliament gaining momentum, Monica is quickly emerging as a beacon of hope and progress in a region yearning for inclusive and transformative leadership.

Born and raised in Ousia Village, Apapai Subcounty, Monica’s deep-rooted connection to Kalaki has become the cornerstone of her campaign. Unlike many candidates whose platforms hinge on lofty promises and political jargon, Monica connects with constituents through stories of lived experience and shared struggles. At a recent rally attended by hundreds, she introduced herself not as a politician, but as “a daughter, sister, neighbor, and friend”—a message that immediately resonated with a community seeking authenticity and empathy in leadership.

“I have lived through the struggles of our people—the hardship, the hope, and the unshaken spirit,” she told an energized crowd. “I am not here to make promises; I am here to deliver results.”

That focus on results has become the hallmark of Monica’s campaign. Her development agenda is ambitious yet grounded, with a strong emphasis on economic empowerment, particularly for women. She has pledged to support women-led businesses through startup capital, revitalize local Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), and improve market access for female entrepreneurs. This agenda has earned her widespread support from women’s groups across Kalaki.

Education and healthcare also feature prominently in her platform. Monica has vowed to combat early marriage and keep girls in school by launching mentorship programs and providing essential sanitary products. Her plans to expand school infrastructure and promote early childhood education have been met with strong support from educators and parents alike.

In health, she has outlined a clear plan to upgrade health centers, ensure consistent supply of essential medicines, and recruit more qualified medical personnel in underserved communities—efforts she describes as both “achievable and urgent.”

Monica's focus on youth empowerment has further elevated her profile among young voters. She plans to introduce vocational training centers and launch youth enterprise initiatives designed to equip the next generation with marketable skills. Her approach, centered on belief and investment in young people, is energizing a demographic often left on the political sidelines.

Agriculture, the lifeblood of Kalaki’s rural economy, also lies at the heart of her agenda. Monica advocates for mechanized farming, irrigation systems, and improved road networks to ease farmers’ access to markets. These proposals have drawn enthusiastic support from local farmers frustrated by years of stagnation and poor infrastructure.

On the issue of water and sanitation, Monica is pushing for the construction of solar-powered boreholes, promotion of rainwater harvesting systems, and community hygiene education. These initiatives aim to improve health outcomes and enhance the overall quality of life, especially in remote areas.

But perhaps what most distinguishes Monica is not her policy portfolio, but her leadership style. Her campaign is built on principles of community engagement, cultural respect, and service to the marginalized. She has pledged to be a voice for the elderly, people with disabilities, orphans, and others frequently ignored by traditional politics.

“Other candidates are offering recycled slogans,” said one local resident. “But Monica is offering real solutions. She listens, and she cares. That’s the kind of leader we need.”

At the close of a recent campaign event, Monica issued a rallying call that encapsulated the spirit of her candidacy:

“Let us unlock Kalaki’s full potential. With your support, we will build a district that works for everyone—young and old, women and men, rural and urban. A district where no one is left behind.”

As the NRM primaries near, one thing has become increasingly clear: Monica Asako’s campaign has grown into more than a political bid. It is a movement, powered by hope, trust, and a shared desire for meaningful, lasting change in Kalaki.