By Mike Rwothomio

Zombo district’s political leadership has issued a clear call to National Resistance Movement (NRM) cadres and the broader electorate to uphold peace and unity during President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign rally, scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Zombo Upper Primary School playground in Zombo Town Council.

The President’s visit is a pivotal moment for this District of over 300,000 residents, where more than 100,000 are projected staunch NRM loyalists, as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the general elections.

Festus Ayikobua, Zombo’s Resident District Commissioner (RDC), emphasized that preparations are advancing seamlessly across political, security, and party mobilization structures.

Ayikobua acknowledged the grievances among the youth regarding unpaid funds for grassroots elections but assured them, "We are committed to addressing these concerns, and we are pleased to announce that progress is being made. I call upon the youth to join us in supporting the government and fighting corruption together."

 He underscored the imperative of a peaceful rally, stating, “We expect an orderly event as we welcome the NRM Chairman and President. Let the electorate engage with His Excellency’s vision for prosperity and make informed electoral choices.” 

Multiple stakeholder engagements are underway to ensure the event’s success, with thousands anticipated to converge from Zombo’s 61 parishes to hear the President’s message, anchored on the NRM’s campaign theme, “Protecting the Gains.”

Esther Afoyochan, Zombo’s Woman Member of Parliament, Commissioner of Parliament, and NRM flag-bearer for the same seat, urged the youth to eschew disruptive behavior and demonstrate discipline. “I implore our youth to remain calm and peaceful as we host the President. Chaos will only undermine our cause,” she declared, rallying constituents to mobilize robustly for the NRM.

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Amos Jacan, Zombo’s Youth Chairperson, echoed this sentiment, mobilizing young voters to “exercise restraint, attend the rally, and absorb the President’s agenda to make strategic choices in the upcoming polls.”

Jacan expressed confidence that President Museveni would address Zombo’s pressing concerns, including the dilapidated state of the 119 km Nebbi-Goli-Paidha-Zombo-Zeu-Warr-Vuura road, the elevation of Paidha Town to municipal status, and the establishment of a district hospital.

The electorate, cutting across ideological divides, has prioritized infrastructure in its demands. 

A senior district official revealed that the memorandum to be presented to the President will focus singularly on the road network, stating, “Our priorities are clear: first, roads; second, roads; and third, roads. Other issues can wait.” 

The Nebbi-Goli-Paidha-Zombo-Zeu-Warr-Vuura road remains a unifying grievance, with its muddy conditions in the rainy season and dust-choked state in the dry season fueling widespread frustration, irrespective of political affiliation.

Francis Bolingo, District Councillor for Athuma Sub-County, rallied voters to turn out in droves , urging speechwriters to foreground the road’s rehabilitation in the President’s address.

Zombo remains a strong foothold of NRM support, consistently delivering over 70% of its votes to the ruling party in past elections, a reflection of its appreciation for the NRM’s record of fostering peace and security.

“We must grant our President another term to complete his transformative agenda,” RDC Ayikobua affirmed, galvanizing public confidence.

As momentum builds among NRM loyalists, the deplorable state of the district’s roads continues to pose a challenge to grassroots mobilization.

Local leaders admit that campaigning for the NRM has been hampered by public discontent over infrastructure deficits.

President Museveni, who launched his West Nile campaign in Pakwach earlier this week, will address Nebbi district and municipality at Namrwodho Primary School playground before proceeding to Zombo on October 11, where he is expected to deliver a “message of hope” to address these longstanding concerns.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot informations