Soroti, Uganda | URN | Teso leaders under a pressure group, Kazi Ni Kazi, have launched a mobilisation team to rally support for Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s 2031 presidential ambitions while preparing a development agenda to present to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
The meeting, held at Sparrow Hotels in Soroti on Sunday 20th Sept, was led by Kazi Ni Kazi chairman Daniel Mulalu, who said the group would use its grassroots structures to mobilise support for PLU and communicate the concerns of people in Teso. Gen Kainerugaba, who chairs PLU and serves as Chief of Defence Forces, had publicly declared his intention to contest for president in the 2031 General Election.
Mulalu said Kazi Ni Kazi, which he described as a foundation formed about five years ago, had resolved to establish a dedicated mobilisation structure for PLU in Teso. “We have also decided to get a structure of Kazi Ni Kazi that will work for the mobilisation of PLU,” Mulalu said.
He said the group would also develop what it called the Teso Agenda, a document identifying the sub-region’s key development concerns and proposals to be presented to Gen Kainerugaba.
Mulalu identified poverty, education and low industrial activity among the issues the group wants addressed.
He said a five-member committee that includes lawyers, researchers, politicians and others had been constituted to research before the agenda is finalised. “We don’t want to get something that is just not researched,” he said, adding that the document would serve as a guide for the group’s grassroots mobilisation and engagement with residents.
Former Serere County parliamentary aspirant Stephen Ariong, who described himself as a staunch PLU supporter, said Teso needed a clear development agenda alongside political mobilisation.
Ariong said the region had vast agricultural land and an educated youth population but lacked sufficient industrial opportunities.
“Teso is the only region without a single factory,” he said, arguing that industrialisation could provide employment and stimulate economic activity in the region. He also cited the need for investment in urban centres, saying Soroti’s economic activity remained limited outside daytime hours.
Samuel Akol, a Kumi District councillor representing Kanyum Town Council and former district vice chairperson, said political mobilisation should be conducted by people with strong links to communities at the grassroots.
He cautioned against relying primarily on people based in Kampala to mobilise support in Teso.
“You have to do mobilisation with people who are on the ground, who are with the Wanainchi,” Akol said.
He proposed that the Teso Agenda should prioritise education, employment and industrialisation.
On education, Akol called for affirmative action for students from Teso seeking admission to universities.
He also proposed measures to address youth unemployment, including increased industrial investment.
“We want many factories in Teso so that many youth will be able to get jobs and develop our economy,” he said.
Akol said Teso leaders should begin discussing what they expect from the next government rather than waiting until an election campaign is underway. “It’s no longer a question of whether we shall have or not. It’s going to be there,” he said, referring to the expected political transition in 2031.
He said Teso should clearly identify its priorities and negotiate for them through political engagement.
Akol proposed university admission opportunities, youth employment and industrialisation as some of the issues the region should place before political leaders.
Teddy Acham, who identified herself as a national NRM mobiliser, urged Kazi Ni Kazi and PLU supporters in Teso to work together. She argued that PLU should not be presented as being opposed to the NRM, describing the two as connected.
“There is no difference between PLU and NRM,” Acham said.
She further urged Gen Kainerugaba to involve elders and grassroots leaders in his mobilisation efforts.
Acham said she had associated herself with Kazi Ni Kazi because of what she described as its proximity to ordinary people.
“Kazi Ni Kazi is with the people. Kazi Ni Kazi is for the people,” she said. She described PLU as a civic movement and political pressure group operating within the NRM framework. Its official platform lists patriotism, unity, and transformation among its stated objectives.
Engeku Simon Julius, a former parliamentary aspirant in Ngora District, said supporters should concentrate on explaining PLU’s proposed programmes to communities rather than relying on financial inducements.
He listed youth employment, service delivery, modernisation of agriculture and health services among issues that should form part of the group’s message.
“We need economic power, especially to the youth,” Engeku said. He added that mobilisation should involve voluntary community engagement and explaining the group’s objectives to people at village level.
Meanwhile, PLU has already been conducting nationwide mobilisation for Gen Kainerugaba’s 2031 bid, including an endorsement drive launched earlier this month. Kazi Ni Kazi officials said the five-member committee will undertake consultations and research before producing the proposed Teso Agenda, which they intend to present to the PLU leadership.
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