By Joseph Mary Buwule
PARLIAMENT — Uganda’s Vice President, Jessica Alupo, has officially been sworn in as the Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi District after emerging unopposed in the parliamentary race.
Alupo sailed through after all her challengers withdrew from the contest. The race had initially attracted four candidates during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries before narrowing down to two candidates at the general election stage.
Shortly after taking oath, the Vice President pledged to continue working closely with the NRM leadership and government to improve service delivery to the people of Katakwi and Uganda at large.
“We shall continue prioritising service delivery, peace and security, education for all, health for all, infrastructure, and continue prioritising resources for wealth creation and job creation,” Alupo said.
She thanked the people of Katakwi District for once again entrusting her with the mandate to represent them in Parliament and urged residents to fully embrace government livelihood programmes aimed at improving household incomes.
Alupo specifically encouraged citizens to benefit from initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, the Women Fund, the Youth Fund, disability grants, and elderly support programmes, saying they are intended to help wananchi transition into the money economy.
The Vice President was accompanied during the swearing-in ceremony by family members, Katakwi NRM Chairman John Robert Okiror, Resident District Commissioner Stephen Ilemukori, District Chairman Geoffrey Omolo, district councillors, and supporters.
Later, Alupo hosted supporters and invited guests to a luncheon at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The function attracted several dignitaries, including Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, ambassadors from foreign missions, NRM Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda Calvin Echodu, ministers, outgoing and incoming Members of Parliament, and officials from the NRM Electoral Commission.
During the luncheon, Alupo reiterated her call for unity among leaders, improved service delivery, and intensified efforts in the fight against corruption.
Chief Justice Zeija congratulated the Vice President upon her re-election and swearing-in, praising the people of Katakwi for supporting leaders who have served the country with integrity and humility.
NRM Secretary General Todwong commended the electorate in Katakwi for overwhelmingly supporting NRM flag bearers, describing the district as a strong pillar of government support.
Meanwhile, Jan Sadek applauded Alupo for strengthening Uganda’s international relations.
“Your Excellency, you have been so instrumental in shaping EU-Uganda partnerships and cordial relations,” Sadek said.
RDC Stephen Ilemukori congratulated both President Yoweri Museveni and Vice President Alupo upon the milestone, saying he had never witnessed a government that cares for its people as much as the NRM administration.
Katakwi District Chairman Geoffrey Omolo thanked President Museveni for entrusting Alupo with the office of Vice President and requested that she be maintained in the same position.
The Chairperson of the Visionary Women, Kabakumba Matsiko, praised Alupo for representing Uganda with distinction both nationally and internationally.
“As a country, you have represented us so well both nationally and internationally. We are so proud of you, and we acknowledge your gentleness, love, and your steadfastness is superb,” Kabakumba said.