The political tide in West Nile appears to be consolidating around President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ahead of the 2026 general elections, with prominent figures including Gen. Taban Amin and former Minister Zoe Bakoko Bakoru openly endorsing his re-election.

Their support underscores the enduring appeal of the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) message of peace, stability, and transformation in a region once marred by war.

Speaking during the NRM campaign rally in Koboko, Gen. Taban Amin, son of former President Idi Amin Dada praised President Museveni for restoring peace and unity in Northern Uganda, particularly in West Nile, which endured decades of political instability.

“People of West Nile suffered a lot during Obote I and II. But now, because of President Museveni, peace has come to this land. Before, there were bullets everywhere even I was part of those wars but today, there are no guns, and people are happy,” Taban said.

He noted that Uganda’s transformation from a country producing refugees to one hosting thousands from neighbouring nations reflects Museveni’s success in promoting regional stability and humanitarian values.

Despite his endorsement, Taban urged the President to increase direct engagement with grassroots communities, warning that some local leaders were misrepresenting the population’s needs.

“The people love Mzee, but some leaders are selfish. They think of their stomachs, not the movement,” he cautioned.

Echoing similar sentiments, former Minister Zoe Bakoko Bakoru described President Museveni as the architect of peace and development in West Nile.

She pointed to the 2002 peace accord between the Uganda National Rescue Front II (UNRF II) and the NRM as a turning point that paved the way for infrastructure expansion, improved social services, and enhanced livelihoods.

“Since that peace agreement, we have roads, schools, hospitals, and electricity. The NRM has done its work. It’s now our turn to give back,” she said.

Bakoko Baked the government to prioritize pending regional demands such as upgrading Arua Airfield to international status and establishing a national referral hospital.

NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja Region, John Baptist Lokii, reaffirmed that the overwhelming turnout in Koboko signaled deep-rooted confidence in Museveni’s leadership.

“Peace is a prerequisite for development, and that’s what the President has delivered,” he said.

Museveni’s deepening support in West Nile, once politically divided reflects the NRM’s success in reframing its legacy around stability, infrastructure, and economic continuity.