By Wakibi Iddi
Wednesday, 16th September 2026
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on voters in Adjumani West to support National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer James Pili Leku, urging unity, household wealth creation and continued development ahead of Thursday’s parliamentary by-election.
He made the call on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during the NRM final campaign rally at Paridi Stadium in Adjumani Town Council. Before the rally, he visited the grave of the late Gen. Moses Ali at Taqwa Mosque and laid a wreath.
“I’m here to beg you to support Leku because he is the one who will support NRM, and I thank all the others who have supported him,” President Museveni told supporters.
He welcomed the withdrawal of former candidate Ben Anyama and his decision to support Leku, saying cooperation among political actors could promote peace and unity in the constituency.
“I ask my supporters and the supporters of other candidates, for the sake of peace and unity, to rally behind the NRM candidate and cooperate,” he said.
President Museveni said Leku, if elected, would work closely with Government to support the implementation of development programmes in Adjumani West.
He cited roads, electricity and education among areas of Government investment in West Nile, highlighting the Laropi–Moyo road, Laropi Bridge and other road connections in the region.
“Instead of war, we now have tarmacked roads from Kampala to Nimule,” he said.
On education, President Museveni recalled his experience at Ntare School in 1961, noting that a student from Adjumani was among his schoolmates at a time when access to secondary education in the area was limited.
He said the expansion of education infrastructure in Adjumani reflected changes that had taken place in the district over the years.
The President also urged residents to focus on improving household incomes, saying physical infrastructure alone does not automatically translate into household wealth. He encouraged residents to use Government programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), to engage in productive economic activities.
“There is a difference between development and wealth,” he said.
The rally also featured former candidates and supporters who announced their decision to support the NRM. NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Region Dennis Hamson Obua addressed the gathering, while other senior party officials and regional leaders joined the campaign.
The contest has narrowed following the withdrawal of Ben Anyama and Patrick Tandrupasi, leaving Leku and independent candidate Gasper Draga in the race, according to current reports.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong also addressed the rally, calling for unity and highlighting the coexistence between refugees and host communities in the region.
NRM Adjumani District Chairperson Akuku Charles Anzo presented residents’ concerns, including the construction of Laropi Bridge, improvement of road connectivity and efforts to enhance household incomes.
The Adjumani West parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Gen. Moses Ali on July 18, 2026. The Electoral Commission has scheduled polling and tallying for September 17, 2026.
Voters in Adjumani West will elect a new Member of Parliament to fill the vacant seat.