Deputy RDC praises Pule Magendo’s NRM legacy, seeks recognition and mobility support

14 September 2026, 6:01 pm

By Sarah Ejang

Amolatar Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Obonyo Magwar has called for national recognition and mobility support for 73-year-old National Resistance Movement (NRM) pioneer William Pule Magendo.

Magwar made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Pule, whom he described as a committed patriot of the Lango subregion and an important figure in Uganda’s political history.

Pule, popularly known as “Magendo”—a Swahili term associated with cross-border trade—earned a reputation for resilience during Uganda’s periods of economic hardship.

During the Obote II and Tito Okello administrations, he reportedly travelled frequently between Uganda and Kenya through Malaba and Busia to obtain essential commodities such as soap, sugar and cooking oil for communities in the greater Lango region.

His frequent journeys saw him spend extended periods at the Tororo bus park as he planned his trips. Through his cross-border experiences, Pule also became fluent in Kiswahili and Luganda.

Pule later faced threats from the Olum Olum rebel group, which operated in the Lango subregion. He sought refuge in Maluku, Mbale, where he continued supporting his family while facilitating the supply of essential goods.

Following the National Resistance Army’s rise to power in 1986, Pule embraced President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s political vision in the early 1990s, despite opposition from some sections of the Lango community.

In 2005, he reportedly petitioned President Museveni in Lira for the creation of a separate district for the people of the area. The request was granted, resulting in the creation of Amolatar District from Lira.

Pule served as Namasale Subcounty chairperson for more than 20 years before becoming the first Amolatar District NRM chairperson, a position he held for more than two terms.

Despite his age, Pule remains actively involved in community development. He is currently establishing an agricultural demonstration and training centre on his titled land along the shores of Lake Kyoga.

The proposed project will include solar-powered irrigation using water from Lake Kyoga, modern dairy and beef cattle production, industrial water infrastructure, as well as training and value-addition facilities for local farmers.

Magwar said Pule’s contribution should be formally documented and honoured at the national level.

“His achievements deserve recognition not only at public functions. His portrait and history should be displayed in the Hall of Fame at the Office of the President in Kampala,” Magwar said.

He also appealed to the NRM Secretariat and State House to provide Pule with a suitable vehicle to support his mobility.

According to Magwar, a farm vehicle would help the veteran manage his agricultural projects, attend church services and continue engaging with party members and community leaders.

The appeal seeks to recognise Pule’s contribution to Uganda’s political history while supporting his continued involvement in agriculture and community development.