13/October/2025
by Y.Emma#lcctv news
ARUA CITY – While President Yoweri Museveni has not made a recent high-profile visit to Arua, his administration’s presence and new developments concerning the city are centered on three key areas: a renewed security crackdown, the long-awaited progress on key infrastructure projects, and the ongoing political strategy to consolidate support in a historically opposition-leaning region.
The most immediate “news” on the ground is a heightened security operation targeting criminality and what the government terms “political agitators.”
A recent spate of violent crimes, including armed robberies and murders, has been cited by security forces as the primary reason. However, local political analysts note the operation also serves to further dismantle organized opposition structures that have been a hallmark of the West Nile region.
Joint security forces comprising the police and UPDF have intensified patrols, cordon-and-search operations, and arrests in various suburbs of Arua City. The Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Ms. Alice Akello, has publicly stated that the operation aims to “flush out all criminal elements” and restore total order.
Some opposition supporters and civil society groups allege that the operation is a pretext for intimidation and arresting youth aligned with opposition figures. This echoes the long-standing tension since the volatile 2018 by-election that resulted in the death of MP Ibrahim Abiriga and the arrest of several politicians, including MP Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).
After years of promises, there is now visible progress on two flagship infrastructure projects that President Museveni has personally championed for the region.
Construction of the modern market, funded by the World Bank and the Government of Uganda, is now in its advanced stages. This project is a central piece of the administration’s promise to boost local commerce and create a more organized trading environment. The completion date is being closely watched by vendors and residents alike.
The tarmacking of this critical road, which facilitates trade between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is ongoing. Improved road infrastructure is a key part of Museveni’s economic strategy for West Nile, aiming to position Arua as a major trade hub. Recent inspections by UNRA officials have been reported in local media, signaling the project’s importance to the central government.
Behind the scenes, the political machinery of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is actively working to solidify its presence.
The recent internal turmoil within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), the traditional stronghold of opposition in Arua, has been advantageous for the NRM. The split in the party has created an opening for the NRM to woo disgruntled members and present itself as a more stable alternative.
The President’s recent news in Arua is often channeled through his local representatives. The RCC and NRM district leaders are consistently in the media, highlighting government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, framing them as direct benefits from President Museveni’s vision. Their message is one of development in exchange for political support.
Mr. Onzima Hassan, a political commentator based in Arua, summarized the situation: “The guns from the 2018 saga may be silent, but the political war for the soul of Arua continues. Museveni’s strategy is no longer just about campaigning during elections; it’s a continuous campaign of security assurance, delivering tangible infrastructure, and exploiting the divisions within the opposition. The new news is that the battlefield has shifted from the rally grounds to the daily lives of the people.”
For President Museveni, the “new news” in Arua City is a multi-pronged approach to secure, develop, and ultimately win over a politically complex and significant city. The focus has moved from the explosive confrontations of the past to a sustained, institutional effort to embed the NRM’s influence through security control and visible development projects, all while capitalizing on a weakened opposition.
#lcctv news
