Lira, Uganda | The Speaker of Lira City West Division, Daniel Okello, has officially joined the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), ending his affiliation with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in a move that is expected to reshape political alignments within Lira City.
The announcement was made during a well-attended and energetic meeting at Chogam Garden, drawing party leaders, local councillors, and residents from Adyel, Ojwina, and Junior Quarters, among others.
Attendees welcomed Okello’s entry into UPC and endorsed him as a potential flag bearer for future elections.
Okello, who won his seat on the NRM ticket, acknowledged that his political breakthrough had been largely supported by UPC-leaning constituents.
He said his decision to switch parties had been influenced by years of mentorship and reflection and that he found his values increasingly aligned with UPC’s ideology.
He attributed his political development to the support and guidance he received from prominent UPC figures such as Harriet Apili, UPC Party President Jimmy James Michael Akena, Betty Amongi Akena, Mike Ogwang Olwa Veve, Emmanuel Ebong Opeto, Cedric Obong Eyit, and Cilodyang, stating that they had encouraged him to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability in leadership.
He recounted how these mentors supported him during his most difficult moments and that their influence helped shape his commitment to principled politics.
He also said that after reading the UPC constitution, he had come to believe it espoused the kind of unity, justice, and leadership that Uganda needs.
Describing himself as a returning member, he said he viewed the move as a return to his ideological and family roots, noting that he came from a deeply UPC-aligned background and could no longer continue to betray that heritage.
During the event, Okello handed over his NRM membership card and was officially issued a UPC card, confirming his new roles as Parish Treasurer and Workers’ Leader within the party.
He emphasized that his goal in politics was to serve the people and not to create conflict.
He urged fellow UPC members to remain committed to the party constitution and to embrace mentorship built on truth and unity.
Veteran UPC elder Mzee Tom Richard Okello Apur welcomed Okello into the party but cautioned him to remain loyal to UPC values.
He advised him against pursuing an independent candidacy if unsuccessful in the party primaries, stressing that UPC promotes negotiation and internal cohesion over division.
Harriet Apili praised Okello’s leadership, saying her first encounter with him during a council meeting had revealed a strong and natural command of order.
She expressed confidence in his capacity to elevate the city’s leadership standards.
Similarly, Jenifer Akello, Lira City West Women Leader, described Okello as an inspirational and accountable leader with the drive to uplift the city.
She said his transition reaffirmed UPC’s growing appeal among voters.
Okello’s defection is being viewed as a significant boost to UPC in Lira City, injecting new energy into the party and potentially drawing more defectors ahead of the 2026 general elections.
His move is also likely to prompt reflection within NRM ranks as the political landscape continues to shift in northern Uganda.