Forum for Democratic Change’s (FDC) Presidential Candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat aka POA has challenged the people of Karamoja region to support his presidential bid lest they continue wallowing in misery.
He made these remarks during a guest appearance on Ateker 88.7 FM in Moroto Town on Saturday December 12, 2020.
Speaking yesterday, Amuriat said that he is the best suited person among the eleven presidential contenders who wholly understands the region’s problems owing to the inseparable ethnic ties between his Iteso tribe and the Karimojong.
“As a nephew of Karamoja, I think that I am really the best person positioned to become the president of the country, who will address the plight of the Karimojong and the Ateker (Jie, Turkana, Toposa, Nyagatom and Teso people),” he disclosed.
Taking cognizance of the two groups’ arch rivalry, Amuriat told supporters at Nakapiripiriti Primary School earlier in the day that he will push for dialogue as soon he ascends the helm.
“The elders of Karamoja and the elders of Teso will also meet so as to resolve the issues between Teso and Karamoja that have torn us apart. And Museveni is responsible for this because he is not interested in peace between Teso and Karamoja,” he promised.
Amuriat explained that for the last 35 years of President Yoweri Museveni’s rule, unlike other regions such as Oil Rich Bunyoro, Karamoja has not benefited from its mineral wealth.
“It is sad that limestone is taken away from Karamoja, taken to Tororo where Mr. Museveni has allowed two new factories of cement to be set up more than 200 kilometers from Moroto and yet the limestone is got from here,” he decried.
Amuriat also claimed that the natives’ land has been “invaded” by a group of people whose whereabouts are not known.
He promised to set up a cement factory which will in turn create white and blue collar employment for the people in the various communities in Karamoja.
Meanwhile, Amuriat was blocked from addressing gatherings in Amudat Town Council on grounds that he was late.
His other campaign meetings in Namalu, Nakapiripiriti ended in blows after Police tried to confiscate his public address system, something his team protested.
He is expected to traverse the districts of Moroto, Napak and Abim today.
