By Nathan Eyagu

Amuria District — The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Orungo County, Hon. Gen. Jeje Odongo Abubakar, has officially launched his 2026–2031 manifesto, pledging to champion peace, unity, and development across Orungo County.

The launch event, held at Orungo Primary School, attracted hundreds of enthusiastic supporters, local leaders, and NRM party members who turned up to show solidarity with the veteran politician.

Speaking during the event, Gen. Odongo emphasized that his renewed bid for the Orungo parliamentary seat is anchored on fostering unity, restoring peace, and accelerating socio-economic transformation.

“I am standing mainly to ensure we restore the security of persons and property in Orungo, promote peace, and bring our people together,” he said.

“We want to end threats and violence in politics and remind everyone that democracy belongs to the people.”

Gen. Odongo, who is contesting as an independent candidate with NRM leanings, reaffirmed his commitment to working hand in hand with government structures to implement his development agenda.

The General outlined several key priorities for his next term, focusing on improving livelihoods and ensuring sustainable community growth.
His manifesto highlights include:

• Security and Peace: Addressing causes of insecurity and fostering cooperation between community members and security agencies.

• Agriculture and Income Growth: Supporting farmers with modern techniques, promoting value addition, and introducing high-value crops to boost household incomes.

• Education: Expanding access to quality education by providing learning materials, solar lighting, and examination printing equipment to schools.

• Health: Advocating for the upgrading of Orungo Health Centre III to Health Centre IV with new wards and improved medical facilities.

• Infrastructure: Advocating for better roads, market construction, and town beautification through the establishment of a children’s park in Orungo Town Council.

• Youth Empowerment: Providing motorcycles at affordable payable rates and car-washing machines to create employment opportunities for young people.

• Housing Improvement: Supporting residents to transition from grass-thatched houses by supplying iron sheets for permanent housing.

Local residents expressed gratitude for Gen. Odongo’s continued commitment to development and stability in the county.

Etiwu Jorem from Akeriau Sub-county said:

“We have seen what the General has done for us — in security, agriculture, and supporting youth and women. We are proud to stand with him again.”

Another supporter, Okello Martine, lauded his consistency and accessibility:

“He has been there for the people. Those who can see know his contribution to education and infrastructure. We are ready to support him regardless of party politics.”

Gen. Odongo clarified that his decision to contest as an independent candidate was due to his busy schedule attending to national duties during the NRM primaries.

“By the time I returned from national assignments, the primaries were over. But my commitment to serve the people of Orungo remains unchanged,” he explained.

He added that his independent status would not affect his cooperation with the ruling party, emphasizing that development and service delivery transcend political affiliations.

In his closing remarks, Gen. Odongo condemned acts of political intimidation, urging all contenders and supporters to uphold peace during the campaign season.

“We must remain one people. Elections should not divide us. Threatening candidates or government officials is unacceptable — they serve the nation, not individuals,” he stressed.

He concluded by expressing optimism about the future of Orungo County, pledging to ensure that every household earns between UGX 5 million to 7 million annually by 2031 through improved productivity and development programs.

As campaigns gain momentum, Gen. Odongo’s message of peace, security, and inclusive development continues to resonate with many across Orungo County.
Supporters describe him as a tested leader whose legacy of service, discipline, and commitment to progress sets him apart from other contenders vying for the parliamentary seat.