Minister Henry Okello Oryem Pledges End to Cattle Raids and wildlife invasion, Advocates for New District in Push to Secure Chua East NRM Gains.
By Okidi patrick
KITGUM, UGANDA– December 4, 2025: Hon. Minister Henry Okello Oryem, the current Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the reigning National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the Chua East County parliamentary seat, has ramped up his campaign efforts, promising fundamental administrative and development reforms ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking to constituents in Orom sub-County recently, Minister Oryem centered his agenda on tackling localized peace and delivering critical infrastructure, asserting that these steps are vital to protecting and advancing the socio-economic “gains” of the NRM ideology in the Chua East county .
The Minister, who is seeking to represent Chua East, identified persistent cattle raids and disruptive wildlife invasions as immediate threats to the livelihoods of the local populace, promising serious intervention once elected into the 12th parliament of Uganda.
“The primary concern here is peace and the protection of our people’s assets,” Oryem stated. “Cattle raids and wildlife incursions have hindered development. We must treat these issues with the seriousness they deserve, ensuring that our citizens can engage in farming and wealth creation without fear.”
On the issue of infrastructure, the Minister is committed to utilizing his influence within the central government to lobby for significant investment in road networks.and other major roads linking to Oguti border market. He specifically highlighted the urgent need to construct major roads linking Akilok to the far eastern parts of the constituency, arguing that accessibility remains a major hurdle to economic integration.
Call for ‘Chua East District’
Perhaps the most ambitious proposal advanced by the vibrant Hon.Minister Henry Oryem is the call for the administrative division of Kitgum District. Citing the immense distance of 100 Kms from district headquarters to Orom and logistical challenges faced by citizens seeking services, the Minister suggested creating a new administrative unit to enhance governance.
“The journey from Kitgum District Headquarters to areas like Orom, Akilok, and Omiya Anyima is simply too far for effective administration,” Minister Oryem explained. “To truly bring services closer to the people and accelerate development in this overlooked region, we need the district divided into two, potentially calling the new administration ‘Chua East District’.”
This proposal, if implemented, would significantly decentralize governmental services and resources to the benefit of the far-flung sub-counties.
Implementing the NRM Agenda key in his original agenda.
The core of Oryem’s mission remains rooted in ensuring that the NRM’s national agenda translates effectively into local prosperity. He pledged to implement robust development programs focused on three key areas: Agriculture, Peace, and Wealth Creation.
The Minister emphasized that protecting the economic gains already achieved under the ruling party requires deliberate investments in agricultural modernization—the backbone of the region’s economy. Through increased government support and strategic planning, Oryem aims to empower local farmers and boost household incomes, thereby fulfilling the party’s mandate for wealth creation at the grassroots level.
Henry Okello Oryem, who currently serves in the Ministry of State for Foreign Affairs, brings significant national experience to the local race. As the son of the late former President Gen. Tito Okello Lutwa, his candidacy carries considerable historical weight and local familiarity and popularity ahead of 2026 general election in Kitgum District and Northern Uganda.
With a strong political team, including key figures like Olum Quirino, Minister Oryem is widely regarded as the immediate frontrunner and the likely winner of the race for Chua East constituency hence confidently positioning himself to emerge victorious for the Chua East parliamentary seat in 2026.
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