By Our Reporter
In a passionate appeal to Ugandans, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, urged citizens to reaffirm their commitment to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the party's role in national development and the importance of continued leadership under President Yoweri Museveni. Addressing a large gathering of supporters in Arua City, Maama Janet underscored the NRM's deep connection to the Ugandan people and its unwavering dedication to the nation's growth.
"Thank you for being patriots, for being strong nationalists, for being people who love their homeland, for never forgetting where we have come from, because NRM is a party of the people, for the people of Uganda," she declared, her words resonating with the assembled crowd. "Thank you for realizing that and really sticking with NRM."
Maama Janet stressed the critical need for deliberate action to secure Uganda's future prosperity. "It is important to be deliberate in everything we are doing so that Uganda can grow from strength to strength as a country," she stated. Addressing a common international perception, she added, "The world has got used to thinking that African countries are weak and confused, that’s why many countries go abroad. But by God’s grace, we shall ensure that Uganda grows from strength to strength."
The First Lady then turned her attention to the upcoming polls, reminding citizens of their civic duty. "Therefore, ensure that no one in your village stays in your house on voting day, and make it your responsibility to ensure that all votes go to NRM," she urged. " Please know that your vote is for your family, for your children, and for Uganda’s peace. Therefore, vote for President Museveni and for the NRM. Line up with your leaders in your areas."
Concluding her address, Maama Janet expressed her gratitude to the residents of Arua for their steadfast loyalty. "I thank you so much that you have refused to forget. Remember, you have a responsibility to ensure that NRM gets all votes of Arua and vote for Museveni to end the whole line of NRM. I thank you, Arua. God bless you,” she said.
The sentiment of gratitude and NRM's impact was echoed by local NRM leaders. Ms. Joyce Amaguru, Arua City NRM Party Chairperson, lauded President Museveni's transformative role in the city. "We are grateful, President, for giving us this city, Your Excellency. We are going to talk about the huge many achievements. Thank you for the peace; if you see many people here today, we are grateful to you for giving this peace. We are also grateful because you ushered health for all."
Amaguru detailed numerous developmental strides, including the upgrade of health facilities, the implementation of Universal Secondary Education (USE) and UPE programs, extensive road tarmacking, and recent connection to the national grid. She highlighted ongoing projects like the Adumi health center and aspirations for a heart and lung institute at Muni University. Citing statistics, Amaguru showcased significant progress in both primary and secondary education enrolment across Arua City and District under the NRM government. Improvements in water access and the funding of the Ojipala Market were also pointed out, alongside specific financial support for Persons with Disabilities and the elderly. Amaguru pledged unwavering loyalty from Arua City, promising "90%" of votes for the NRM.
Mr. Arion Bonifance, the NRM Arua District Chairman, further expressed his gratitude, sharing a personal account of returning to Uganda due to the improved security under President Museveni's leadership. "I was born in Congo, not because I didn’t want to be born in Uganda, but because of the security situation at that time. So, we thank you so much, Your Excellency, for the love that you have given us,” he stated.
The event, characterized by a strong turnout of thousands of supporters, was also attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, and various religious and cultural leaders, signaling a united front in their campaign efforts.
