Dokolo, Uganda | Joseph Jones Ogwal Omara, the NRM flag bearer for Dokolo North Constituency, has called on voters and political leaders in Lango to move away from handout-based politics, describing it as a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Ogwal Omara noted that the “no money, no vote” mentality has turned elections into a cycle of cash handouts, leaving long-term development in the background.
He said commercialised politics is harming the rural micro-economy by making communities dependent on campaign-season spending rather than encouraging creativity and self-reliance.
During recent NRM primaries in Dokolo North and South, billions of shillings flowed into the area, benefiting local businesses and service providers.
However, this temporary influx of cash has not translated into lasting development.
“…Political seasons bring money, but they also stifle innovation. People stop thinking about how to improve their own livelihoods because they expect politicians to provide everything…,” Ogwal Omara explained.
The flag bearer further highlighted that many rural residents now view politicians as the primary source of income.
Discussions and initiatives that could drive local development are often overshadowed by the focus on election campaigns.
Ogwal Omara urged a shift toward manifesto-driven politics that prioritizes accountability and tangible service delivery.
He warned that unless communities in Lango take charge of their own development, they will lag behind other regions where residents actively pursue entrepreneurial and innovative solutions to escape poverty.
“…Relying on handouts from politicians undermines democracy and social progress. A focus on service delivery and community-driven initiatives is the real path to sustainable development…,” he said.
Ogwal Omara won in the Dokolo North NRM primaries based on his six-pillar manifesto subdivided into 22 action areas, which resonated with the electorate and enabled him to defeat opponents who relied on large sums of money.
He delivered a message of hope to the people and urged other politicians to adopt the same approach to lift Lango out of poverty.
Many now foresee Ogwal Omara as a transformative leader who, once in parliament, will drive massive development through his grassroots approach to politics, as opposed to populism rooted in money politics.