President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has approved the creation of Aber District out of the current Oyam District.
The decision followed an overwhelming public plea from residents and local leaders who had consistently lobbied for the move, citing administrative efficiency and better service delivery.
The demand was echoed by key political figures across party lines, including Oyam NRM District Chairperson Bosco Ogwal, Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda Chris Ongom, and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Vice Chairperson, Brian Ogutu.
“Your Excellency, Oyam is a unique district. It is the largest in the northern region, with approximately 2,191 km², 1,093 villages, and a population of about 500,000,” said Oyam NRM District Chairperson Bosco Ogwal Onyiki in his opening remarks at the rally. He requested President Museveni to consider two key issues: first, granting them a new district; and second, elevating Anyeke Health Centre IV, the district’s only Health Centre IV to a district hospital.
Aber, presently a sub-county in Oyam South County, will now be elevated to district status following the candidate’s endorsement, which came after he conducted a symbolic public vote. Attendees at the rally decisively supported the new district proposal over an alternative plan for major road construction.
“We have listened to your voices. The people have spoken, and we shall move forward with the creation of Aber District,” Candidate Museveni declared to the cheering crowd, underlining his government’s commitment to local governance and participatory democracy.
The President highlighted how the restoration of peace and stability under the NRM government has laid the foundation for socio-economic transformation in the Lango sub-region. He described the peace currently enjoyed across Uganda as “unprecedented in the last 500 years,” urging citizens to safeguard it by maintaining the NRM leadership.
“Peace, unity, and security are the cornerstones of our development. For the first time in centuries, Uganda is stable from corner to corner. This must not be taken for granted,” Museveni said.
Museveni assured the people of Oyam District of continued infrastructure and economic development if given another term in office. He cited the NRM’s track record in delivering improved health services, education, road networks, and electricity access in Oyam, including the strategic Karuma Hydro Power Project, which he noted will be pivotal in propelling industrialization in the region.
“Most parishes and sub-counties in Oyam are now served with key infrastructure,” he said. “What remains is for our people to utilize these facilities to improve their livelihoods.”
Museveni also emphasized the unity of Uganda as a national strength, citing the diverse composition of key state institutions such as the army, police, and civil service as evidence of inclusive governance under the NRM. He urged voters to remember the NRM’s founding principles of patriotism, democracy, and socio-economic transformation when casting their ballots.
Chris Ongom, UPC Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, and Brian Ogutu, FDC Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda praised General Museveni’s unique leadership qualities, which they say have played a key role in Uganda’s transformation.
They also announced that they are shifting their political allegiance to support the NRM presidential candidate.
Ongom highlighted Museveni’s leadership achievements and emphasized the importance of continuity in sustaining the country’s progress.