By James Alomu 

A powerful movement has emerged in Soroti City, with a growing number of National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth leaders rallying to shift the region’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 presidential election. In a bold declaration, the NRM youth are uniting to dismantle the long standing opposition stronghold in the city, particularly in the Juwakali area, which has historically been a key base for opposition forces in Soroti.

The push for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s re-election is gaining momentum, with the youth leadership in Soroti City pledging to consolidate support for the President and end the opposition's grip on the region. The initiative was officially launched during a press conference held at Juwakali, a community known for its vocal opposition presence. The leaders also outlined plans to celebrate President Museveni’s 81st birthday on November 15, 2025, as a key event to galvanize support ahead of the election.

Wancha Moses, the Chairman of NRM in Soroti City East, emphasized the party’s commitment to breaking the opposition’s dominance in the region. He underscored that the primary goal of the NRM in Soroti was to engage with the people and ensure that the city fully embraces the development agenda laid out by the President. Moses pointed out that in recent conversations with residents, there was a widespread sentiment of dissatisfaction with the opposition's leadership, with many people expressing a desire for a new direction.

“The people of Soroti are tired of opposition politics. They are looking for a leadership that can deliver real development, jobs, and security. Under President Museveni’s leadership, we have made significant progress, and the people want to continue on this path,” Moses stated.

Shaban Abas, Vice Chairperson of the NRM Youth League in Soroti City East Division, further articulated the party’s youth-focused agenda, emphasizing the importance of young people in shaping Uganda's political future. Abas highlighted key initiatives the NRM has implemented over the years, including the “Prosperity for All” program, job creation efforts, and steady progress in infrastructure and social services. He stressed that, for the youth in Soroti, supporting Museveni is a decision rooted in the pursuit of a stable and prosperous future.

“As young people, we have decided that it is time for us to take charge of our future. We are committed to supporting President Museveni, who has consistently worked towards securing our future. We have seen prosperity in all sectors, and we are ready to mobilize the masses to ensure his continued leadership,” Abas remarked.

In addition to the youth leaders, Kirya Ashiraf, a candidate for councilor Central Ward in Soroti City who is also flagbearer in the upcoming 2026 election and a key figure in the youth mobilization effort, expressed optimism about the shifting political climate in the city. Ashiraf acknowledged Juwakali’s reputation as a stronghold for the opposition, but he believed that with the NRM’s focused leadership and grassroots engagement, there is significant potential to change the political landscape.

“Juwakali has been synonymous with opposition politics for a long time, but this is changing. The youth are stepping up to lead, and with strong leadership and engagement, we are confident that by 2026, Soroti will no longer be an opposition stronghold,” Ashiraf asserted.

The NRM leaders also emphasized their commitment to intensifying voter outreach and mobilization, particularly among the youth, to ensure that President Museveni’s message of unity and development resonates across Soroti City. With preparations for the President’s birthday celebration already underway, the event is expected to be a key moment for the party to showcase its growing support base in the region.

As the NRM looks ahead to the 2026 elections, the political dynamics in Soroti City are set to undergo a significant transformation. The question remains whether this new push from the youth will succeed in breaking the opposition’s hold and securing a victory for President Museveni in the region. Only time will tell, but the NRM's determination is clear: they are ready to reshape the future of Soroti, one vote at a time.