John Baptist Loki, the Member of Parliament for Matheniko County in Moroto District, first joined the Parliament of Uganda in 2011, during the 9th Parliament, and has served continuously since then.
Hon. Loki has closely followed Uganda’s political and economic trends, as well as other regional matters, both in Parliament and beyond.
When Eyewitness asked for his personal view on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his impact on the people, Loki described Museveni as a true African leader.
He explained that beyond transforming Uganda from a peasant-based to a market economy, President Museveni has also positively influenced socio-economic development across East Africa and the continent at large.
Loki noted that Museveni’s leadership over the years proves his capability and visionary nature.
Asked to elaborate on what defines a visionary leader, Hon. Loki said:
“President Museveni looks at things from all angles. I think it’s just a rare gift from God. He can foresee, and he’s the one who has always guided us Members of Parliament with sound advice.”
He added that Museveni’s speeches—whether during the State of the Nation Address, the budget speech, or NRM caucus meetings—are always clear and purposeful.
To illustrate Museveni’s visionary leadership, Loki pointed out how the NRM government has brought transformation to previously neglected regions, including northern Uganda and Karamoja.
Specifically, in Karamoja, Loki recalled that prior to Museveni’s leadership, the region lacked basic infrastructure such as tarmac roads, electricity, and factories. Today, however, that has changed:
“Now we can talk of tarmac roads, health centres, and power connectivity, thanks to the extension of the national grid.”
He proudly mentioned the first-ever cement factory in Karamoja, located in his constituency of Matheniko County, Moroto District. Scheduled to open in October, the factory is already 60% complete.
“This factory will also produce clinker for other cement factories. Karamoja now also boasts the best tile factory, which sources its raw materials from Moroto,” he added.
According to Loki, Museveni’s leadership has also uplifted household economies. He cited a significant drop in poverty levels in Karamoja—from 80% to about 60%—attributed to government programs like Emyooga, the Uganda Youth Entrepreneurship Program (UYEP), Parish Development Model, and NAADS.
“That’s why I say the President has an eye that sees every corner of Uganda. That’s the kind of inclusiveness we’re talking about—because we’re seeing it, we’re feeling it, and we’re benefiting from it,” Loki emphasized.
Security
Loki also recalled the insecurity that once plagued Karamoja and credited the success of the disarmament exercise.
“We really thank the UPDF and other security forces for their spirited efforts to remove illegal guns from Karamoja. Today, the region is a safer place to live,” he said.
He strongly believes the disarmament initiative was President Museveni’s brainchild, later formalized into government policy.
“It was his idea. He wanted Karamoja to be peaceful and to enjoy the benefits other regions enjoy. That’s why, as leaders in Karamoja, we support him,” Loki affirmed.
“Many presidents came here, but who among them could handle fire without getting burned? Only His Excellency, President Museveni, has delivered.”
Youth Empowerment
Loki also highlighted efforts to empower the youth, particularly those formerly involved in cattle rustling.
“Just last week, youth groups received cheques of 50 million shillings per district, on top of what they already had in their accounts.”
Groups like the Karachuna Associations, formed by reformed warriors, now have up to 250 million shillings in their accounts, with most districts holding over 200 million. These funds enable them to engage in business—buying animals, trading, saving, and borrowing within their circles.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the 2026 general elections draw near, we asked Hon. Loki what the future holds for the NRM in Karamoja.
He expressed confidence in President Museveni’s continued vision for the region:
“We want to make the most of his leadership. We’re not sure whether the next president will prioritize us as he has. Museveni is the only one who’s consistently given us attention—and I believe it’s because he understands us as fellow cattle keepers,” Loki concluded.
