Voters promise Political Rewards as Hon. Sam Engola and Auma Linda Push for New District in Lira Ahead of Polls.
By our Reporters.
LIRA UGANDA -January 9, 2026– A surge of political excitement swept through Lira city and Lira district on Thursday evening during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign rally, as two prominent leaders – Hon. Sam Engola and Auma Linda – made impassioned appeals for administrative recognition of Erute County into a district status . Their combined efforts are now being seen as potential game-changers in the lead-up to the January 15, 2026 general elections.
During the president’s rally at Golf course, Hon. Sam Engola, NRM flag bearer MP for Erute South, engaged in a brief but a significant one-on-one conversation with President Museveni on stage. The positive exchange, which drew murmurs and speculation from the large crowd, was later confirmed to center on a long-standing demand: district status for Erute.
Sources revealed that President Museveni, after listening attentively to Engola’s request, gave an approval for the creation of Erute District, a move that would elevate the administrative and developmental standing in the area.
“This is a dream come true for the people of Erute,” said Engola in a post-rally media statement. “For decades, we’ve been asking for recognition, for infrastructure, for better service delivery. With district status, we will now have our own full control over our development agenda.”
The announcement was met with thunderous applause from the largely supportive crowd, many of whom waved placards bearing the slogan: “Engola Delivers – Erute is a District!” Supporters hailed the achievement as a testament to Engola’s influence and dedication, positioning him as a results-oriented leader in contrast to his other political rivals.
Meanwhile, Auma Linda Agness Woman MP for Lira district and a vocal leader for grassroots development, used her platform during the rally to reiterate the need for a new district carved out of Lira District. She underscored the challenges faced by residents in accessing government services due to vast distances from the current district headquarters.
“The people of Amac travel several kilometers just to access basic administrative services,” MP Auma Linda declared. “It’s time we have our own district—Erute District—for faster, more localized governance.”
An immediate decision was announced by H.E. the President who acknowledged the request. Hon Sam Engola and Auma supporters suggested that the move to grant Erute district status—amid a heated election season—could significantly influence voter decision to vote for the two prominent leaders —it translates into jobs, schools, health centers, and local empowerment,” said Pamela. “Leaders who secure such milestones are often rewarded at the ballot.” Opio John of Itek sub county added.
With exactly few days to go, before the January 15, 2026 elections, the rally has set the tone for a campaign focused on service delivery and accountability. For Hon. Sam Engola, the message to voters is clear: “I don’t just speak for Erute South —I deliver for Erute District” Vote for me come January 15, 2026.
Supporters of the two candidates are now rallying behind the campaign slogan: “Vote Development, Vote Hon. Sam Engola for MP of Erute South and Vote Auma Linda Agness for Women MP. (2026–2031).
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