The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called for visionary and service-oriented leadership in West Nile as he joined residents and local leaders in Arua City to celebrate the election victory of Mayor-elect, Lawrence Alionzi, popularly known as Dangote.
In the January 15 polls, Alionzi secured 32,663 votes, defeating independent candidate Trinity Ceaser Draecabo who finished second with 3,197 votes and Democratic Party (DP) flag bearer Gaspar Pirio who came third with 1,712 votes.
Alionzi is set to succeed the incumbent mayor, Wadri Sam Nyakua whom he defeated in the NRM primaries last year.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, Tayebwa described Alionzi as "an important ambassador for young people," emphasizing that his leadership comes with high expectations for exceptional performance and accountability.
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Tayebwa praised West Nile for its growing reputation as a hub of young leadership, highlighting figures such as Maureen Osoru and Charity Lenia.
"West Nile has distinguished itself as a cradle of young leaders, and I have no doubt it will continue producing more leaders in the years ahead," he said.
Tayebwa urged the Mayor-elect to prioritize service delivery, maintain humility, and work collaboratively with leaders across political divides. He emphasized reconciliation and unity as key pillars for regional development.
"As leaders, where differences exist, reconciliation must take precedence. Unity is essential for the progress of our people," he said.
Highlighting the strategic significance of Arua, Tayebwa pointed to its proximity to Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan as a major economic advantage.
Tayebwa commended the people of West Nile for their strong electoral support for President Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the January elections, attributing the outcome to confidence in the party's vision.
Describing Arua as a vibrant economic hub, Tayebwa cautioned against reliance on unethical practices such as smuggling, stating that sustainable growth must be built on integrity and lawful enterprise.
"With its connection to the national grid, West Nile must now shift focus from trading to manufacturing. Arua has the potential to
become a fully-fledged industrial city," he said.
Tayebwa further noted that the region is well-positioned to serve regional markets, particularly in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Tayebwa also called for a transformation in agricultural practices, urging leaders to mobilize farmers to transition from low-value crops like tobacco and cotton to high-value alternatives such as coffee and cocoa.
"Agriculture remains a key driver of our economy. Value addition and crop diversification will significantly improve incomes and livelihoods," he said.
Reaffirming government commitment to regional development, Tayebwa highlighted ongoing infrastructure investments, including the Karuma Hydropower Station and the Pakwach Bridge, which are expected to enhance trade and ease the movement of goods across the region.
Tayebwa concluded by reiterating the importance of ethical leadership, unity, and strategic planning in unlocking West Nile's full potential.
"Arua and the wider West Nile region stand at the threshold of transformation. With the right leadership and commitment, this region can become a major driver of Uganda's economic growth," he said.
