Independent Presidential candidate, John Katumba has promised to open a university for the people of West Nile region, if voted for in the 2021 general elections.
This, he said will bridge the education gap but also allows children from poor backgrounds to access university education.
Katumba’s entrance in Nebbi town Wednesday, went unnoticed as he began his campaign. He said it’s through education that a country can be transformed.
“Children from West Nile don’t need to travel to Kampala, my administration will ensure that we have a government university in the region,” he said.
West Nile already has government universities like Muni University that are passing out graduates mostly in Information and Communication Technology.
He also promised to connect West Nile to different parts of the country with an electric train.
“I saw that you only have one means of transport and that is the road. You to be connected to railway transport because the journey from here to Kampala is very far,” he added.
Katumba stunned voters in Nebbi, when he embarked from his vehicle, a black Toyota Noah, and begun mobilizing voters stage by stage along Nebbi- Pakwach road.
His rally was scheduled to take place at Pentagon house, a stone throw distance from Nebbi market, but he didn’t go and chose to campaign on the streets.
Many of the voters mistook him for a campaign agent, save for a few who noticed the presence of counter-terrorism police around him.
Lajibiri Okumu, a broker said Katumba was a down to earth leader given his approach to walk and solicit for votes.
“He looked more of a campaign agent only to see bodyguards, I think he would make a good leader,” he said.
Katumba explained that he came face to face with poverty while collecting signatures for his presidential bid, adding that his mission is now to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity in order to be poverty-free.
He also promised to work on the poor road network in the region.
“The road network in West Nile is terrible, and that will be my priority if you vote for me,” he said.
He said, he is overwhelmed by the need for change among Ugandans, adding that he is ready to deliver the change.
“Ugandans need change everywhere I have gone the people need change. So I have come here to ask for your votes to bring you change ” he said.
A section of voters in the district, however, were skeptical about him, saying they are not expecting much from Uganda’s youngest presidential hopeful.
According to Christopher Thumitho, a voter in Nebbi, Katumba appears like a big joker who is in the race just to divide votes.
Thumitho, however, says he was able to hear what he has for the people of Uganda.
“I don’t expect much from him, most of them are just jokers meant to divide votes,” Thumitho said
Grace Rachiu, a vendor in Nebbi town says, he will go with a candidate that offers better alternatives for improving welfare for citizens.
Katumba joins National Unity Presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine to solicit votes in the region.
On Tuesday, Kyagulanyi received a heroic welcome as he started his campaign for the Presidential bid in Pakwach, Nebbi, and Arua, a place he calls Mecca.
President Museveni is also expected in the region on Friday, 12. After stage to stage campaigns, Katumba jumped on a boda-boda to a nearby radio station before leaving for Arua.
