The National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has promised to release all political prisoners and Karacunas (youth) currently detained in government prisons if elected president in 2026.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Kotido Municipality on Wednesday, 29th October, 2025, Kyagulanyi said many young men, locally known as Karacunas, are stuck in prisons across the country on cattle rustling charges without fair trials.
“I was in Kitalya Prison and saw many Karacunas waiting for court-martial trials. When I become president, I will release all of them,” Kyagulanyi declared. “Under my government, no civilian will ever be tried in a military court.”
The NUP party leader also promised the Abim and Kotido people to prioritize the development of Karamoja, describing it as one of Uganda’s richest yet most neglected regions.
He accused the ruling government of exploiting the area’s resources for personal gain while leaving residents in poverty.
“The place where we are standing is the richest in Uganda in terms of natural resources, but the people here are the poorest,” the NUP party President said.
“This land has been owned and exploited by one family, the Museveni family. We must change that so that the people of Karamoja benefit from their own wealth,” he added.
The NUP leader emphasized that with proper leadership and transparency, the region’s mineral wealth could transform lives through improved infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
“This is where some of Uganda’s most valuable minerals come from. Yet, look at the roads, the hospitals, and the poverty around you. My mission is to change that. Together, we can make Karamoja better,” Kyagulanyi told his supporters.
Karamoja, located in north eastern Uganda, is endowed with gold, silver, copper, iron, gemstones, limestone, and marble, making it one of the country’s most resource-rich regions.
However, despite attracting over 20 local and foreign companies for exploration and limited mining, the area remains under developed, with poor roads and inadequate social services.
Kyagulanyi’s visit to Kotido and Abim districts is part of his campaign trail across northern Uganda, where he is rallying support under the theme of justice, equality, and inclusive development.
He is expected to hold rallies in Kaabong and Karenga on Thursday, 30th October, 2025 before proceeding to Kitgum, Lamwo, Agago, and Pader districts.
