LIRA, UGANDA – In a significant move aimed at consolidating political support in the Lango sub-region, the Clan Head of Ober, Geoffrey Etwop, has called for unity among the people, urging them to speak with one voice and rally behind President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for more development.
The influential leader’s statement comes just days ahead of a highly anticipated campaign tour of the region by the NRM’s presidential candidate, President Museveni, scheduled for the first week of October.
Speaking to community members and local NRM leaders, Etwop stated that the Lango sub-region is already witnessing tangible development delivered by the NRM government. He argued that the surest path to accelerating this progress is for the region to aggressively mobilize votes for the ruling party in the upcoming elections.
“The evidence of development is here for all to see, thanks to the programs of the NRM government under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” Etwop said. “To secure more of these benefits, we must aggressively mobilise votes for the NRM. Our collective support is the key that unlocks more development for our region.”
The clan head also issued crucial advice to the NRM leaders within Lango, tasking them with a strategic responsibility ahead of the President’s visit. He cautioned them against presenting a fragmented or less important list of needs, urging instead for a unified and focused approach.
“When the President comes, our NRM leaders must table the top priorities of Lango. We must avoid presenting less important agendas and speak clearly about our most pressing developmental needs,” Etwop advised.
Emphasizing the importance of internal cohesion, Etwop called for an end to differences that could weaken the region’s bargaining power. He asked the people to “come together and speak one language of development.”
“Differences amongst ourselves will only make Lango fail to achieve what we are supposed to get in terms of development,” he cautioned. “Unity is our strength. When we are united, our voice is louder and our needs are heard more clearly.”
In a gesture highlighting a strategy of political inclusion, the Ober Clan Head also directed NRM members to be welcoming to supporters of opposition parties. He encouraged them to engage in constructive dialogue to attract more members to the ruling party.
“I ask our NRM members to welcome all people from different opposition parties. Add them to the NRM fold by spreading the good news about the NRM government’s achievements,” Etwop stated. “Our door should always be open.”
President Museveni’s upcoming tour of Lango is expected to mark the official launch of his campaign activities. Analysts suggest that the endorsement from a respected cultural figure like Geoffrey Etwop provides a significant boost to the NRM’s efforts to galvanize support in the sub-region, setting the stage for a vigorous campaign season.
