Minister Dr Omona to Oyam: ‘Elect Acilo, NRM for fundamental change’

The NRM government has Lango’s debts, State Minister for Northern Uganda, Dr Kenneth Olusegun Omona said on Thursday, October 23.

Minister Dr Omona, who was the chief guest at Jane Frances Acilo’s post-nomination rally at Oyam Boma Grounds, told thousands of residents that the government and President Museveni have a debt to compensate Lango for cattle lost during the insurgency.

“The government has a debt to fulfil to the people of Lango,” Dr Omona said, adding: “I was informed that recently the President was here and promised to grant Aber a district status.”

He told the gathering that the government also has other debts from other promises made in the past. “Another promise the NRM government has is to bring fundamental change to every household in Lango. This is a promise.”

“Fourthly, what we have seen with our eyes is peace and harmonious coexistence here in Lango,” he added, emphasising that in Lango, the NRM government and President Museveni “have our debts.” “We don’t want the NRM party to go away without paying our debts. So, we are saying to the party and the government: “Pay the debts.”

“To you the people of Lango, I am beseeching you because not all of you have travelled across Uganda. To you my Lango people, let me tell you the truth: “Other regions in Uganda have developed, they have wealth, better lifestyles, better education and better health facilities. If you know the best things that you want and your heart desires to have them, and there is someone who can bring them for you, put your heart there. Let’s elect people like Acilo (Jane Frances), people like Ogwang Obura, Willie Omodo Omodo.

“I know, Acilo is doing a lot here. I want to request the likes of Obura that, should you find time one day, like today, bring documentary videos of success stories showcasing how East, West and Central Uganda have developed and compare it with yours (Lango).”

The Minister encouraged the people of Oyam to put their hearts into electing NRM candidates. “I know among you here there are different parties like UPC (that’s your right), FDC is also there (that’s also your right) and NUP is also among you here (that’syourrigh). But, I want to tell you this: “Be as it may, let’s vote Mzee Museveni and the NRM party to lead us for the next five years to bring change and development here in Oyam.”

As the Ministry of Northern Uganda, Dr Omona said they are ready to roll out coffee growing in the region. “There is money in coffee. We have secured shs65billion this financial year to procure coffee seedlings for Northern Uganda. Secondly, ‘some have said PDM is enough’, we are saying ‘No’: Here in Lango, Acholi and West Nile, we have been in a prolonged period of suffering, and PDM alone is not enough for us; we want another program alongside PDM. I am telling you that this year, next week on Tuesday, the Parliament of Uganda will approve a loan for NUSAF4.”

The Minister promised that before 2025 ends, NUSAF4 would have been launched. “All these are promises and outstanding debts (unfulfilled pledges) that the government and NRM party promised to you, to us in Northern Uganda.”

He continuously encouraged the people of Oyam district to elect Acilo for her outstanding network and ability to make friends with nationals from other countries like Spain. “I have known my sister (Jane and her husband George) for a long time. We knew each other a long time ago when I hadn’t developed grey hair on my head,” Omona said, as he rallied support for Acilo.

Acilo addresses her supporters 

Speaking to visibly excited-looking supporters in their thousands, Acilo “thanked everyone in Oyam, the young and the elderly for their support towards her candidature.”

“This year, you have shown me overwhelming support, you met me and I talked to you in your respective capacities; in your different sub-counties where you accorded me trust, consoled my heart that ‘Imat, here is tough’.”

She added: “I have met the men of Oyam who are heartbroken for failing to fulfill plans for their families. This is making them do certain unproductive things. I have also met our children of Oyam who start their education career from primary school, and unfortunately, many of them drop out before joining secondary school.”

Also read: Jane Frances Acilo: “This is NRM’s time in Oyam after 15 years”

Because of the above problem, candidate Acilo said it’s why she stood up as a leader to help underprivileged children with school fees.

“For my plans to work, we should be people who do not fear the truth. If we fear the truth, all these good things I am telling you, which I am capable of doing for the people of Oyam, won’t happen. That’s the truth. I am someone who stands for the truth, that is why sometimes people are fighting me.”

After 15 years of UPC reign, Acilo said the truth is: “The majority of the youth in Oyam district are jobless. I am here to create grassroots wealth and opportunities for everyone.”