On Saturday, March 22, 2025, West Nile Effort for Museveni a pressure group founded by notable figures such as the late former Vice President Gen. Mustafa Adris and the late Hon. Col. Ibrahim Abiriga marked its 25th anniversary. This group was established to amplify President Museveni’s vision and mobilize support for him and the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Gen. Mustafa Adris, who had served diligently as Vice President under President Idi Amin, went into exile after the 1979 war. Many others from West Nile also endured hardships in exile. However, when President Museveni assumed power in 1986 with the National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M), he extended an open-door policy to all Ugandans in exile, encouraging them to return and contribute to national development. Though many feared retribution, those who dared to return found protection and, over time, witnessed the government’s commitment to rebuilding and restructuring their war-torn homeland.
Arua, once a ghost town with no power, water, or functioning infrastructure, gradually rose from the ruins. West Nile Effort for Museveni was founded as an expression of gratitude for President Museveni’s support in facilitating the return of exiles and fostering regional development. Building trust within the community was a challenge, especially given the scars left by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), which terrorized northern Uganda and disrupted connectivity to West Nile. However, the pressure group remained committed, mobilizing votes for President Museveni while championing positive mindset change and participation in government programs such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), the Youth Livelihood Program, and Operation Wealth Creation all aimed at socio-economic transformation.
Operating across West Nile covering districts such as Adjumani, Terego, Maracha, Koboko, Yumbe, Arua City and District, Madi Okollo, Pakwach, Nebbi, Zombo, Obongi, and Moyo the group has played a significant role in national celebrations and political mobilization efforts.
A Day of Celebration and Reflection
The event was graced by Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, the NRM Secretary General, as the chief guest. He was hosted by Hon. Atima Jackson Lee Buti, MP for Arua Central Division, Government Regional Whip, and West Nile Coordinator for the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). Hajati Medina Naham, NRM’s Director of Finance and Administration, was also in attendance.
In his remarks, Todwong acknowledged the foundational work of the group’s pioneers, emphasizing the importance of the NRM’s core values: Pan-Africanism, Democracy, Patriotism, and Socio-Economic Transformation. He toured the value-addition facility in Awindiri, visited the new market, interacted with vendors, and later addressed the public at the late Hon. Col. Ibrahim Abiriga’s residence.
“I want us to stand up and observe a moment of silence in honor of the great individuals who started this pressure group. Twenty-five years is a remarkable milestone. As someone who grew up here, I have witnessed firsthand the transformation that has taken place. President Museveni has exceeded expectations he brought our fathers back from exile and worked tirelessly to ensure peace and security,” Todwong stated.
He assured the public that key roads stretching from Pakwach to Panyimur, through Zombo to Arua, and extending to Moyo via Koboko and Yumbe, as well as the route through Obongi, Rhino Camp, and back to Pakwach would be rehabilitated. Additionally, a new bridge connecting West Nile to Acholi via Moyo and Adjumani would be constructed, along with planned improvements to the aging Pakwach Bridge.
“I urge the people of West Nile to appreciate Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) by enrolling their children in school. Education provides general knowledge essential for life and business. Likewise, the public should take advantage of improved healthcare services and industrial power connections to foster commercial and industrial growth,” he stressed.
At Arua City’s new market, Todwong reassured vendors that no one would force them into private markets. The UGX 39 billion market was built by the government to support small-scale traders and improve the business environment for socio-economic transformation.
As a gesture of support, Todwong donated UGX 10 million from the NRM party to West Nile Effort for Museveni for their Super Yellow Project, which produces high-quality branded shirts for NRM and other groups, promoting self-sufficiency and household income improvement. He also donated UGX 5 million to fish vendors at Arua Central Market to support their association. He urged them to continue supporting President Museveni’s leadership.
Leaders Rally for Continued Support
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including:
Hon. Obiga Kania Mario (Minister of State for Lands and Housing Development)
Hon. Obiga Rose (Woman MP, Terego)
Hon. Lematia Ruth (MP, Maracha East)
Hon. Adriko Yovan (MP, Vurra County)
Hon. Odria Yorke Alioni (MP, Aringa South)
Hon. Avako Melisa Gule (Woman MP, Yumbe District)
Hon. Dr. Musa Noah (MP, Koboko North)
Hon. Leku Joel (MP, Terego West)
Hon. Ayaka Rose (Former MP, Maracha District)
Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Chairpersons (LCVs), NRM District Chairpersons, Religious and Cultural Leaders, Councillors, Youth, PLU members, security personnel, and members of the public from across the region.
Todwong encouraged the people of West Nile to engage in agriculture, citing the value-addition facility’s capacity to process bulk produce for lucrative markets in DRC and South Sudan.
Message to the Youth and Ghetto Communities
“I encourage young people to prioritize education and acquire skills before marriage. Once established, find a God-fearing spouse, settle down, and engage in productive activities. Form groups such as investment clubs and farming cooperatives, and participate in government programs that support development. Think positively, and your life will reflect positive change,” he advised.
Hon. Obiga Kania reminded attendees of the difficult times before 1986, when West Nile suffered immense instability. He urged them to appreciate NRM’s achievements in restoring peace and development. “Vote wisely in 2026 vote NRM at all levels,” he urged.
NRM MPs pledged their continued support to the secretariat and thanked President Museveni for interventions like PDM, Emyooga, and improved education and healthcare services.
Hon. Atima Jackson Lee Buti appreciated President Museveni for projects such as the new market, Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) roads, street lighting, Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital, and upgrades to Arua Regional Referral Hospital. He also highlighted the establishment of Muni University and the region’s connection to the national power grid, which now supports industrial growth and job creation for youth. However, he appealed for increased government support for ghetto communities in West Nile, similar to interventions in other regions.
Koboko Engagement
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Todwong continued his regional tour in Koboko, meeting leaders including:
Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu (Minister of State for Primary Education)
Hon. Huda Oleru (Minister of State for Veterans Affairs)
Various MPs, RDCs, LCV Chairpersons, NRM District Chairpersons, CAOs, and Town Clerks.
Discussions focused on service delivery, NRM manifesto progress, and combating corruption in public service. Todwong encouraged continued support for NRM at all levels, ensuring a coordinated approach to governance and service delivery. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the lives of all Ugandans.
