Katakwi, Uganda | As political activity intensifies ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, Daniel Mulalu, Chief Executive Officer of the Kazi Ni Kazi Foundation, has expressed optimism about his growing support base in Ngariam County, Katakwi District.
Mulalu, who is seeking the NRM flag for Member of Parliament in Ngariam, said residents across the county are embracing his message of economic empowerment, peace, and inclusive leadership.
He described the current mood on the ground as one of urgency and desire for transformation.
According to Mulalu, the campaign is anchored on transitioning the community from subsistence to a money-based economy, with a focus on job creation, agricultural productivity, and improved service delivery.
He also pledged to promote peace and reconciliation across communities, which have in the past experienced local tensions and underdevelopment.
Mulalu’s entry into the race sets up a competitive contest against the incumbent MP and State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, as well as Augustine Otuko, a long-time mobilizer in the area.
While acknowledging the high-profile nature of his rivals, Mulalu believes his grassroots approach and record of community engagement give him an edge.
Through the Kazi Ni Kazi Foundation, Mulalu has been involved in initiatives aimed at skilling youth, supporting agriculture, and empowering women-led businesses.
His campaign strategy has largely focused on door-to-door visits, village meetings, and listening sessions, particularly targeting rural areas often left out of mainstream political engagement.
In communities such as Omodoi, Okuda, Kapelebyong, and Usuk, some residents have voiced support for a change in leadership, citing long-standing challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and youth unemployment.
Mulalu maintains that addressing these issues requires a deliberate constituency development plan, centered on financing local initiatives, vocational training, market access, and improved government service delivery.
He added that peace and unity remain a cornerstone of his agenda, urging all aspirants to promote civil discourse during the campaign season.
The NRM primaries are expected to be a critical test of popularity for candidates in the Teso Sub-region, where political loyalties remain strong but increasingly shaped by service delivery records and youth participation.
Analysts say voter turnout, grassroots mobilization, and candidate messaging will play a key role in determining the outcome of the Ngariam contest.