The contest for the Woman Member of Parliament seat in Pallisa District has reached a fever pitch as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries draw near. Candidates are intensifying their campaigns in a bid to secure the party’s flag for the upcoming general election.

Incumbent MP Kevin Kaala Ojinga, currently serving her first term, faces stiff competition from three determined challengers eager to unseat her.

Incumbent Highlights Achievements
Confident in her record, Ms. Kaala has called on voters to renew her mandate, pointing to what she describes as significant strides in delivering on her campaign promises.

“I am still willing and ready to serve the people of Pallisa. When the time comes, please rally behind me as we did last time,” she urged during a voter engagement event.

Ms. Kaala emphasized her education-focused initiatives, notably her program to reward top-performing Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) students, which she credits with improving academic results in the district.

“This program has motivated learners, and we’ve seen a positive impact on academic performance,” she remarked.

Challengers Highlight Systemic Gaps
However, critics and challengers have disputed Ms. Kaala’s claims, citing Pallisa’s persistent struggles in national PLE rankings.

Catherine Achola, a leading contender, has criticized the incumbent’s approach as superficial, pledging to address the district’s systemic education issues.

“We are short by about 800 teachers, and the teacher-to-pupil ratio is too high for effective learning. I am here to fix that,” Achola told voters during her campaign.

Former MP Miriam Amoit and political newcomer Jane Abbo have also entered the fray, each vowing to bring transformative leadership to tackle Pallisa’s enduring challenges in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Tribal Dynamics and Electoral Considerations
Beyond campaign pledges, tribal dynamics are poised to play a critical role in the primaries. Pallisa District is home to a diverse population, predominantly comprising the Bagwere and Iteso tribes, and political analysts caution that tribal allegiances could influence voting patterns.

“Unfortunately, tribal considerations often overshadow merit during elections in Pallisa, which undermines the quality of leadership,” noted Nicholas Osaku, a political analyst.

Call for Merit-Based Decisions
As NRM leaders traverse the district’s sub-regions to galvanize support, stakeholders are urging voters to prioritize competence and proven track records over tribal affiliations.

This high-stakes race will not only determine the NRM’s flag bearer but also chart Pallisa’s path in addressing pressing development issues, from education reform to infrastructure improvement, in the years ahead.