OYAM. President Museveni has promised to create Aber District if reelected in the January polls ,carving it out t of the existing Oyam District
While campaigning in Oyam District on Tuesday , the ruling National Resistance Movement presidential candidate acknowledged the longstanding request from local leaders and residents for administrative restructuring, citing the need to improve service delivery.
“On the issue of Aber, we have got plans to deal with that issue ,but also deal with the roads. If we have got money to do both, we shall do them. If we don’t have enough, we start with roads,” Museveni said.
In a rare move, the President put the decision to a vote, asking the crowd whether government should prioritize upgrading the Bobi–Loro Road or create the new district. In unison, residents opted for the creation of Aber District. If created , this will bring the number of districts to 136.
“I will surrender for the district, but I won’t stop the road,” Museveni added, indicating both projects would proceed when resources allow.
Local leaders have long argued that the size and population of Oyam — one of the largest districts in Northern Uganda with over 1,000 villages — makes service delivery a challenge.
Bosco Onyike Ogwal, the NRM chairperson for Oyam District, emphasized the district’s vast size.
“Oyam is a unique district. It’s the largest in northern Uganda and second only to Wakiso nationally, with over 1,093 villages. We need Aber district carved out,” he said..
NRM flag bearer for Oyam North Constituency, Willy Omodo Omodo, echoed the need for decentralization.
“Oyam North alone has 674 villages, yet an entire district like Alebtong has just 600. If there’s funding for new districts elsewhere, why not here?” he asked.
The proposed Aber District is expected to bring services closer to residents and ease the administrative burden on local authorities in Oyam. Government had put a ban on creating new administrative units some years ,citing lack of funds to run the units .