Vice President Jessica Alupo has been elected without opposition as the new chairperson of the NRM Veterans League for Ongongoja Sub-county in Katakwi District, Eastern Uganda. The announcement was made by Mary Alupo, the sub-county registrar, during elections held at Ongongoja Secondary School. The declaration was met with loud cheers from party delegates representing all nine parishes in the area.

The election brought together 270 delegates, with each parish sending 30 voters. These included youth, women, mainstream NRM members, elderly persons, and veterans. The parishes represented were Aketa Town Board, Oburatum, Ongatunyo, Milimil, Obwobwo, Ongongoja, Aketa, Akomotukoi, and Okuda. Speaking after her election, Alupo thanked the veterans for trusting her with the leadership role and reminded the gathering of the NRM’s core values—nationalism, pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. She described these values as the foundation of patriotism and urged every Ugandan to embrace them.

Alupo also outlined her plans for development in the sub-county. She mentioned an upcoming water project that will serve Okuda Parish and revealed plans to construct a road linking Ongongoja to Karamoja, which she said would improve service delivery in the region. She further expressed hope that President Yoweri Museveni would consider creating new administrative units in the area, stating that Ongongoja’s large size justified the need for division into smaller counties or districts.

Usuk County MP Patrick Opolot Isiagi, who attended the event as an observer, praised the delegates for their participation and unity in supporting Alupo’s unopposed election. He expressed confidence that she would receive similar backing at the district level when those elections take place in the coming week. Among the delegates present were notable figures such as Bastantino Ongorok, Joseph Opus, Isaac Okwaino, Charles Opio, and Stanstino Eswamait.

After her victory, Alupo joined a youth gathering at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Katakwi Town Council, where she spoke to young people about responsible citizenship. She advised them against abusing their rights under the guise of child protection and encouraged self-discipline. She specifically warned against school strikes and public disorder, urging the youth to resolve disputes maturely and use official channels to address grievances.

Alupo also shared biblical teachings with the young audience, quoting Proverbs to emphasize that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” She encouraged them to love God and the church while cautioning young girls against risky behaviors, which she referred to using local terms Okadinong and Owokiwok. She also warned boys against drug abuse and reminded parents to closely monitor their children’s growth.

As part of her support for youth empowerment, Alupo donated 10 million shillings to the group, advising them to invest in goat rearing as a way to fight poverty. She praised their plans for skills development, animal husbandry, and poultry farming, promising further assistance. She revealed that she was already in talks with a partner to help equip the St. Stephen Skilling Centre. Additionally, she called for the speedy completion of a Centenary Bank branch under construction in Katakwi to provide youth with a safe place to save their money.

Rev. Fr. Olivie Wayesu of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church also addressed the youth, assuring them of the church’s continued support. He highlighted the success of the Katakwi Youth Network in helping many young people access university education, colleges, and vocational training centers.

Alupo’s election and subsequent engagements highlight her active role in both political leadership and community development. Her unopposed victory signals strong support within the NRM Veterans League, while her messages to the youth reflect her commitment to guiding the next generation toward responsible and productive citizenship. As she prepares for potential leadership roles at higher levels, her focus remains on improving livelihoods in Katakwi and fostering unity among party members.

The event also showcased the NRM’s structured grassroots mobilization, with delegates from various groups participating in the election process. Alupo’s ability to connect with both veterans and young people demonstrates her broad appeal and influence in the region. With ongoing projects and promises of further development, her leadership is expected to bring tangible benefits to Ongongoja Sub-county and beyond.

As the NRM prepares for district-level elections, Alupo’s smooth ascent in the veterans’ league positions her as a key figure in the party’s future plans. Her dual focus on political engagement and youth empowerment suggests a strategy aimed at long-term stability and growth, both for the party and the communities she serves. For now, her unopposed election stands as a testament to her popularity and the trust placed in her by the people of Katakwi.