By Our Reporter

Soroti City — A wave of enthusiasm swept through Aloet Central B as thousands of residents turned up to witness the official launch of Rodney Akongel Mukula’s campaign for Member of Parliament, Soroti City East Division.

The event, which marked the start of Uganda’s 2025 parliamentary campaign season, was filled with songs, chants, and cheers from supporters eager to hear Mukula’s message of unity, service, and tangible development.

Speaking under the theme “All for One, One for All,” community leaders and residents rallied behind Mukula, commending his hands-on leadership style and dedication to addressing grassroots challenges.

Oboi Moses, the Deputy LC1 Chairperson of Aloet — an area that covers 13 villages — praised Mukula for being a leader who listens and acts.

“Rodney is not just talking about service; he is already doing it,” Oboi said. “He has repaired seven boreholes in Aloet alone and twenty-one across Soroti City East. He doesn’t wait for office to serve the people.”

Similarly, Lawrence Agnes Okello, an aspiring Division Councillor representing the elderly, described Mukula as a unifier and a visionary with a practical development plan.

“We need leaders who understand our needs and respond with action. Rodney has proven that through his work with communities,” she stated.

Goma Valentine, the serving councillor for Aloet Ward, also endorsed Mukula, saying his campaign reflects the spirit of the national development agenda.

“Rodney stands for progress and service delivery. If we make the wrong choice, the next five years could be wasted. He represents the change we need,” she said.

Addressing the jubilant crowd, Rodney Akongel Mukula, an independent candidate leaning toward the NRM, emphasized that his campaign is rooted in service and humility.

“I have not come as a leader, but as a saviour,” he told supporters. “Aloet is special to me because this is where I launched my first borehole. My symbol — the borehole — represents life, renewal, and service to the people.”

Mukula noted that despite Aloet’s strategic position — hosting industries, a university, Aloet College, and a regional blood bank — the community has not fully benefited from these opportunities. He pledged to bridge that gap by ensuring that local residents become direct beneficiaries of nearby developments and government programs.

He also promised to focus on poverty eradication by empowering youth and women’s groups, promoting small-scale enterprises, and supporting income-generating community projects. In addition, Mukula vowed to improve access to healthcare, education, electricity, and clean water while ensuring transparency and accountability in leadership.

In his closing remarks, Mukula appealed to voters to focus on results rather than party affiliation.

“Let’s not vote for party — let’s vote for progress,” he said, to loud applause from the audience. “Together, we can build a Soroti where every family feels the impact of development.”

As the rally concluded at sunset, the crowd dispersed with songs and chants of support — a sign that the campaign trail in Soroti City East has truly begun, driven by optimism, unity, and the promise of better leadership.