Speaking at Akura Primary school in Abolo, Zambia Parish in Kamdini sub-county, Oyam South on Thursday, December 4, Jane Frances Acilo said, “Every good thing comes from home, and here I am.”
“Today, I come before you to seek your mandate. Before I joined active politics, I had done many things here (in Oyam) after witnessing a lot of challenges people go through.
Acilo also spoke of the quality of a leader that people must elect. “A good leader sacrifices for the people,” she said, adding: “I pledge before you today that I will dedicate myself to the people of Oyam for the next five years, and I have outlined this commitment in my well-written manifesto.”
The manifesto, she announced, focuses on grassroots income through improved agricultural practices, education, health, and job creation, among others.
On the propaganda that she’s promising to create wealth by giving money, the NRM candidate clarified. “There is no single day I promised to make people wealthy by giving them money. I have repeatedly stated that I will achieve this together with you (the people of Oyam) through commercial agriculture, linkage to better markets, and an education that creates jobs.
“If I say I want to create wealth, I should have the vision to do that through agriculture: Provide improved seeds and link farmers to the markets.”
On the maize seeds she donated early this year, Acilo said it “demonstrates the quality of seeds” we must have at our markets.
Once she’s elected, Acilo promises to introduce a Bill to protect farmers and regulate the quality of seeds and farm inputs.
The school feeding program is one area Jane has promised to work on. She told residents that a child can not concentrate when he or she is hungry while learning.
“This time, let’s elect a leader who thinks ahead, a leader capable of helping our children to create jobs and better the future of Oyam.”
Speaking in Punuatar A village (Camkwani trading centre), Zambia Parish, Acilo said after campaigns to carry the NRM flag, the area voted for her overwhelmingly.
“And President Museveni came here and handed it (the flag) over to me. Today, I have come with the flag for you all to see.” She reminded the gathering that “2026 is not yet done,” calling on them to mobilise votes for her ahead of January 15.
“I am someone who doesn’t stop from achieving what I want – for my people,” she revealed. “This year, we are campaigning with love and I welcome UPC supporters who are here. I love you”
Frances called for coexistence among different political party members, saying people should only disagree on ideas but remain united as one.
A true leader must have plans, and a clear vision for the people, she noted. Calling this “very important,” Acilo said a leader must “talk and work, and be ready “to show the results of work done.”
“My mother once told me: ‘Let your work speak for you’ and I have relied on that advice for years. There is propaganda going around that ‘this lady doesn’t know how to talk, she’s not from here (Oyam). Am I not here talking?” She asked. “You are,” responded the crowds in Kamdini and Iceme.
Outlining what she has done since joining active politics, Acilo said she has worked on roads, and distributed seeds to farmers, including offering full scholarships to children from the underprivileged homes.
Abalo Shara of Awiegweri village, Zambia Parish, said one of the major problems for years has been a lack of development, and sided with Acilo ahead of the January 15 elections.
Abalo’s expecting improvement in education, saying their children are studying but end up remaining jobless. “Acilo is helping us a lot,” she stated. According to Abalo, the current leaders of Oyam have been sitting on development programs for their children.
“We are electing Acilo to develop our nation, Oyam, and be able to continue supporting us with seeds.”
Milly Amongi, a resident of Pitepetek village, Zambia Parish, Kamdini, said why she will vote for Acilo. “She has distributed maize seeds and will advocate for better prices for our agricultural produce.”
Addressing a huge crowd in Apala B village, Juma Parish, Jane said after 15 years of no NRM woman representative in Parliament, “there is no easy walk to victory this time.” She emphasised in Leb Lango: “Imwaka ni labo kwir pe.”
“I cannot stand before you, and take you where there is no development. I have come to give the people of Oyam fishing hooks, not money.”
Speaking without work is useless, Acilo said in Awio, Iceme sub-county on Friday. “Once you send me to Parliament, I will ensure Oyam gets a district hospital.”
On education, she said the future of Oyam lies in the hands of our children, but decried poor education performance across the district. To improve educational performance and the quality of future leaders, Acilo promised to introduce a school feeding program.
Starting her campaign from Dele Primary school, Acilo called for unity among residents and never to entertain any wrong information against her. “I am not in the politics of propaganda. That’s not me, I won’t do it.”
At Aungu Primary School, she said her popularity from village to village has brought panic among some politicians. “Talking without work makes no one know you,” she said to an outpouring of approval.
“She (Acilo) has made her name, she’s a people’s person,” Bonny Ogada, a resident of Aungu, said.
Addressing Acilo’s last rally on Friday at Christ Nursery and Primary School in Agwok, Willie Omodo Omodo, NRM candidate for Oyam North, said it’s time Oyam elects Acilo.
“Today, I have come to beseech you as residents of Oyam that, when you see people happy at malwa (kongo ting) point, it’s because they have exchanged ceke (a tiny long stick for drawing liquid). For 15 years, we gave UPC our votes, and this time you can’t give NRM?”
Omodo applauded Acilo for “doing a lot for Oyam” even when she has yet to be mandated by the masses as an MP.
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