BY STEPHINE OPIO
KABERAMAIDO November 10th 2025 : Veronica Isala Eragu Bichetero, who previously served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kaberamaido county from 2016 to 2021 before it was divided and she moved to Ocero county, is now running as an independent candidate after losing in the NRM primary to Francis Okullo.
During a media event to launch her campaign on Monday 10th, Isala confidently stated, “I have always been a natural leader, both at home and in my professional life as a lawyer.”
She expressed her disappointment with the NRM primary election, citing lack of neutrality from the Kaberamaido NRM party chairperson and irregularities in the voting process due to the party abandoning the use of party registers in some areas.
Isala also mentioned her previous deputy role and collaboration with Jacob Oboth Oboth, who also ran as an independent candidate but served as the chairperson for parliamentary legal affairs.
She further highlighted other successful independent candidates such as Vice President Jessica Alupu, who are currently working with the Ugandan government.
”I am a proud member of the NRM party and have no plans of leaving. I have been involved in the creation of the NRM constitution and the 10-point program. To those who doubt my loyalty, I say they should leave if they do not want to see me in the NRM,” she added firmly.
Julius Ongole, a resident of Ocero county, shared his disappointment with the memorandum presented to the president by the NRM leadership in Kaberamaido district, stating that it did not address the pressing issues in the community.
As a result, Ongole has decided to support and vote for independent candidate Isala Veronica, whose agenda he believes aligns with the needs of the community.
Felix Enyaru, the chief campaign manager for Isala Veronica Erago, emphasized her absence in the last five years due to her dedicated service to the community.
Beatrice Alobo also highlighted the struggles of women in different sectors, particularly in accessing healthcare.
She expressed her hopes that Isala Veronica Erago will be able to bring much-needed change as the next representative for Ocero county.
Peter Engoru, a resident of Okile, believes that supporting Isala Veronica Erago will result in positive developments for the youth in the community.
ACHIEVEMENT
Isala went on to highlight her accomplishments during her time as a member of Parliament, including the following:-
Providing the Isala Veronica Community Ambulance to supplement the District Hospital- Organizing and conducting three corrective surgeries for cleft lip and palate in Kaberamaido, benefiting over 100 children and some adults
- Constructing a Health Center II in Akwalakwala and supporting the Kaberamaido Health Center II- Providing hospital beds in all Health Center IIIs in the District, as well as maternity beds at Kaberamaido Hospital and Lwala Hospital
- Securing a hospital ambulance for Kaberamaido Hospital through the office of the Prime Minister- Advocating for hospital equipment, staff, and medical supplies, especially medicines and beds
– Successfully implementing rural electrification in Kaberamaido District- Pushing for the tarmacking of the Ochero-Katine Road, which has now been included in funded priorities
– Restoring the BKK ferry and overseeing the construction of a pier in Akampala- Providing multiple water boreholes in Kaberamaido District and ensuring their maintenance.
Provision of several water Boreholes in Kaberamaido District and maintenance.
On the issue of education, Isala said she is an Advocate of Education who has obtained and provided Bursaries for Secondary School and UniversityStudents up to date- (over 120 university graduates to date)Pays for vulnerable Primary School Children to get to secondary.
Provided support of Building materials to all primary and Secondary Schools inKaberamaido District especially Ochero County to date.
Supported learners in Certificate and Diploma courses like nursing, Technical Education, Catering, Hair dressing and the like.Established Educational project for schools in Kobulubulu and Okile Sub-counties (Kakado, Katinge, KOBS and mother Mary Schools) with Aid from USA.
Isala also emphasized her dedication to education, stating that she has personally obtained and provided bursaries for over 120 university students, as well as paying for the education of vulnerable primary school children.
As she continues her campaign, Isala promises to be a strong advocate for the people of Uganda, particularly in the Teso Sub-Region.
NEXT PLANS
Going to parliament to implement the NRM manifesto.Follow up on the construction of Ochero – Katine Road.
Follow up on the Ferry Pier construction at Akampala – Ochero.
Follow up on the second pier at Okile port after Akampala.
Initiate the Establishment of Industry, Agriculture production and Fish processing in Ochero County.
Establish Ochero HC IV and push for the construction of the Health Center $ Push for the construction of Government Secondary Schools and Primary Schools in Ochero County.
Continue supporting Churches and all Groups of Women, youth and all adults & Promote PDM and all Government activities.
She promises to add more scholarship and Bursaries for learners, add one Ambulance for Ochero County, Buy water Bowser for Ochero County, add more Chairs and Tents for Ochero Countyv and Support Kaberamaido District in all areas of interest and concern in Parliament.
ACADEMIC
She went to Ochero Primary and finished in Lwala primary school, joined St. Mary’s College, Aboke.
Went to Dr. Obote’s college, which in that time the name changed to Boro – Boro Secondary School because Idi Amin did not want the name.
She went to Makerere University to do Law And then from Makerere she went to Oxford University.
