National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi has said that the minerals in Karamoja should first benefit its people before benefiting the rest of Uganda.
While addressing residents of Karenga and Kaabong districts on Thursday, 29th October, 2025, Kyagulanyi emphasized that the region’s vast mineral wealth must be used to uplift local communities in Karamoja rather than foreign investors.
“When you vote NUP, we are going to transform Karamoja. The minerals of Karamoja should benefit Karamojongs first, then the rest of Uganda. These minerals are for Karamojongs, not the Chinese. To change this, you can do that through your vote,” Kyagulanyi said.
He also decried the poor state of roads and social services in the mineral-rich region, saying the area’s infrastructure should reflect its natural wealth.
“For a place so rich in minerals, the development should reflect that wealth. Give us a chance to tarmac your roads, stock hospitals with medicine, and improve schools for your children,” the NUP party President urged.
“When the world talks about Karamoja, they say it is a place with rich minerals but poor people. I want us to change that. We can have a university, an airport, good hospitals, and modern roads,” he added.
The NUP party president also hinted on the compensation of Karamajongs who have lost herds of cattle to their Turkana neighbors from Kenya and said when NUP gets into power they will have all those affected compensated.
“If the leadership of this country cared about you, the innocent Karacunas would not be in prison right now, and your stolen cows would have been compensated,” he said.
“That is why we must stand together to liberate our country. On January 15th, 2026, I urge you all to come out in large numbers and vote for the Umbrella,” he added.
Kyagulanyi’s visit to Karamoja is part of his ongoing nationwide campaign trail ahead of the 2026 general elections.
He is expected to campaign in Kitgum and Lamwo Districts today, October 31st, before heading to the Masaka sub-region, where he will hold rallies in Gomba, Butambala, Sembabule, and Lyantonde Districts.
