District chairpersons affiliated with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the northern region have formally requested President Yoweri Museveni, the party’s national chairman, to appoint a caretaker for the vacant vice-chairperson position. The position became vacant following the passing of Jacob Oulanyah Okori, the MP for Omoro County and former Speaker of Parliament.
Jimmy George Ayella, the NRM chairman for Kitgum District and chairperson for the Acholi sub-region, expressed concerns that the delay in electing Oulanyah’s successor has adversely impacted mobilization efforts and communication between the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and district NRM chairpersons. Ayella recommended that the appointee, chosen by President Museveni, should be from the Acholi sub-region, where the vacancy originated.
During a meeting of district NRM chairpersons from the northern region in Gulu City on November 15, 2023, Ayella emphasized the importance of involving district chairpersons in mediating and resolving the ongoing land conflict with the Balaalo (nomadic pastoralists) in the northern region. He noted that opposition politicians were exploiting the situation to criticize the NRM party.
Mark Okeny, the chairperson of the NRM party in Lamwo District, urged President Museveni to fulfill his commitment to provide each district chairperson with a vehicle to facilitate their movements. Okeny emphasized that fulfilling this pledge would enable effective community mobilization for the 2026 general elections and facilitate monitoring of government programs in their respective districts.
Beatrice Molly Abang, the Dokolo district chairperson and party chairperson for the Lango sub-region, echoed the sentiment, urging the President to honor his commitment to support them with SACCOS funds. Abang emphasized the positive impact it would have on their leadership and the community by encouraging savings.
David Sam Asusu, the Moyo district chairperson and NRM chairperson for the West Nile sub-region, highlighted the need for an audience with the President to address gaps in service delivery. He emphasized the importance of discussing improvements and recommendations to enhance the party’s contribution to transforming the lives of Ugandans through government programs in their respective districts.
