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Journalists Condemn Mr. Van Over False Claims Against NRM Aspirant for Dokolo North Ogwal Omara

Dokolo, Uganda |  Journalists who covered a recent NRM campaign rally in Bata Subcounty have condemned Apenyo Ivan, alias Mr. Van, for fabricating claims that parliamentary aspirant Joseph Jones Ogwal Omara assaulted him during the event. According to journalists present at the rally, no such incident occurred, and the allegations are false. They clarified that Apenyo Ivan attended the rally not as an accredited journalist but as an MC. His actions, they said, undermine the credibility of professional journalists and misrepresent the standards of ethical reporting. They further warned that such behaviour damages public trust in the media and risks discrediting legitimate coverage of the political process. Joseph Jones Ogwal Omara, a leading contender for the NRM flag in Dokolo North Constituency, denied all allegations. He stated that he was never involved in any altercation and was not arrested, as had been claimed. He explained that he only questioned Apenyo’s role at the rally, given that he was participating as an MC rather than a reporter, and that this was misrepresented as an assault by political rivals. Ogwal Omara accused Okello Raphael, the NRM Publicity Secretary for Dokolo District, of using his office to circulate false information in favour of the incumbent MP and current flag bearer. He expressed concern over the party’s silence on the matter and questioned why no official statement had been issued to correct the record. He confirmed that his legal team has been consulted regarding the matter. According to unconfirmed reports, the ongoing smear campaign against Ogwal Omara is being facilitated by fellow aspirant Alfred Junior Okello, who is reportedly struggling to gain grassroots support, and the incumbent MP, Moses Ogwal Goli. Ogwal Omara described the situation as a deliberate strategy to damage his credibility ahead of the July 17 NRM primaries. Community members have also dismissed the claims. Odongo Mukwano, a resident of Atabu in Bata Subcounty who attended the rally, said the allegations were unfounded and politically motivated. He described the incident as a propaganda tactic by candidates who lack support on the ground. Obote Ben, the NRM Chairperson of Bata Subcounty, also refuted the reports aired on some local radio stations and shared online. He urged voters to treat the allegations as false and to focus on issues that matter in the upcoming elections. Attempts to reach Dokolo District NRM Chairperson Geoffrey Opio Ekong for comment were unsuccessful. His known telephone number was active, but he did not respond to calls and had not returned them by the time of publication. The NRM primaries in Dokolo North are set for July 17, 2025. Source

Lango Paramount Chief Calls for Preventive Healthcare at Tribute to Late Clan Leader Okwir Gunya

Lira, Uganda | His Royal Highness Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, the Paramount Chief of Lango, has called on the people of Lango to embrace regular medical checkups as a routine part of life to reduce preventable deaths. He made the appeal during a tribute ceremony for the late Geoffrey Okwir Gunya, Clan Chief of Ober Owumulao Okwer Ngu, held at the Lango Cultural Centre in Lira City. Dr. Eng. Odongo Okune said many lives are being lost due to failure to detect illnesses early and urged communities to take health matters seriously. He proposed a health insurance scheme for clan chiefs to help them access treatment without financial strain. He also called for the strengthening of clan SACCOs to support families during medical emergencies. Dr. Eng. Odongo Okune urged the Government of Uganda to improve healthcare services in Lango by building and equipping health centres. He said people are dying not because treatment is unavailable, but because they cannot afford it or live too far from medical facilities. He paid tribute to the late Okwir Gunya, describing him as a loyal leader who supported him during the cultural leadership struggles in Lango. He said Gunya stood by him when others chose to walk away. Sam Ogwang Alunyu, Clan Chief of Mwa-Otiratok, described Gunya as a hardworking businessman whose efforts helped in lobbying for Lira to attain city status. He called for formal burial procedures for clan leaders and the documentation of their contributions. Denis Kiza, Clan Chief of Pedi Cungkal, said Gunya inspired him to return and serve the Lango Cultural Institution. Rev. Peter Ocweo shared that Gunya personally paid for his education and changed his life, and asked the Paramount Chief to continue with Gunya’s vision for unity and development. The body of the late Gunya was later taken to his home in Senior Quarters, Lira City. He will be laid to rest on Friday, July 11, 2025, at his ancestral home in Olyet Ward, Agweng Parish, Adwari Subcounty, Otuke District. Source

Op-Ed: “If Communities Can Do It, So Can Government: A New Vision for Health Insurance in Uganda”

By Dr. Bob Marley Achura Community Driven Development Advocate There’s a story I can’t get out of my mind. It was a humid evening in Ayabi Parish, Kwania District, in Uganda. I had stopped by a small homestead to check on Atim Margaret, a young mother I had met during a village health outreach some months back. She greeted me with a quiet smile and disappeared into her mud hut, only to emerge moments later holding her two-year-old son, Denis, full cheeks, bright eyes, and very much alive. “Last time you were here, I didn’t know if he would make it,” she said softly. She told me how, just weeks after our first meeting, Denis had fallen gravely ill with malaria. But unlike many mothers I’ve met over the years, she didn’t hesitate. She didn’t have to. She was a member of her local community health insurance scheme and she knew she could walk into Aduku Nursing home and receive care without begging, borrowing, or selling the family’s only goat. And that’s exactly what she did. Now Denis is chasing chickens in their compound. Not far from Margaret’s village, in Aculbanya Subcounty, Kole District, a similar story had a very different ending. Akello Jennifer, also a mother, lost her baby girl to pneumonia not because there wasn’t a health facility nearby, but because she didn’t have 20,000 shillings for transport and treatment. She waited. Prayed. Hoped. And when she finally got the help she needed, it was too late. These are not just stories. They are the brutal, beautiful truths of life in rural Uganda. The Health Insurance That Never Comes! For more than two decades now, we’ve heard talk of a national health insurance scheme. I remember hearing about it when I was much younger, and I still hear about it today. It has become a ghost of policy always mentioned, never seen. The idea, in theory, is noble: to ensure that every Ugandan can access healthcare without risking financial ruin. But what have we actually seen? Over 80% of Ugandans still pay for healthcare out-of-pocket. Women continue to die in childbirth at a rate of 336 per 100,000 live births. Children die from malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea illnesses we know how to treat. People with disabilities are still treated as afterthoughts in our national health strategy. Let me be clear: this is not just a policy delay. It is a systemic failure. It is a broken promise. And it is costing lives every single day. But Here’s the Thing: Communities Aren’t Waiting Anymore: In places like Kwania, Apac, Oyam, Gulu, and Pader, ordinary Ugandans are refusing to wait for help that never arrives. Back in 2015, through the efforts of local leaders, health workers, and partners like the Global Health Network (U), communities began building something remarkable, community-based health insurance (CBHI). It started with village savings groups and farmer cooperatives pooling small monthly contributions into local health funds. Some paid in cash. Others contributed in kind — maize, beans, a chicken here or there. It may sound humble, but it worked. Fast forward to today, and these community health funds now cover tens of thousands of people. Real people. Real lives. Real health. In Gulu District, the local Community Health Assurance Scheme (GCHAS) now serves over 35,000 individuals. I’ve walked through the wards of Gulu Independent Hospital and spoken with mothers who used to fear entering those gates now they walk in with confidence, insurance cards in hand. Take Lanyero Rose, a single mother of three from Pece-Laroo. A few years ago, she sold her only cow to pay for a C-section. “I had nothing left except my baby,” she told me. Today, she’s covered under GCHAS. No more begging. No more debt. Just dignity. In Pader District, maternal care visits have gone up over 40% since they began a similar community fund. Women who used to deliver at home or not at all are now showing up to health facilities, trusting that they won’t be turned away. And in Alebtong, families contribute millet and labour to keep their local scheme afloat. Some might laugh at that but let them laugh. These schemes are saving lives while we wait for the suits in Kampala to figure out whether healthcare is a right or a reward. A Hard Truth: If Communities Can Do It, Then What’s the Government’s Excuse? Let’s not dance around it. If poor, remote communities with no fancy software, no state budget, and no policy think tanks can design and run functional, sustainable health insurance schemes… then it is shameful, truly shameful, that our government has not delivered a national health insurance program in over 20 years. We have a full Ministry of Health. A Parliament. A President. Development partners. But we still leave millions of our citizens to face health emergencies with nothing but hope and prayer. This isn’t about capacity. It’s about priorities.  A New Path Forward: District-Based Health Insurance as a Scalable Health Financing Model It may sound radical but it is entirely rational, pragmatic, and overdue: What if Uganda stopped waiting on national government inertia and instead empowered districts to lead the way in health financing reform? Uganda’s decentralized governance structure was not merely designed for political representation it was intended to bring essential services closer to the people, strengthen local accountability, and foster innovation at subnational levels. District governments already oversee primary health service delivery, community mobilization, and public health programming. Building on this foundation, districts can establish District-Based Health Insurance Schemes (DBHIS) locally administered, community-owned mechanisms modelled on the proven successes of Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI). Under such schemes, residents would contribute small, regular premiums either in cash or in kind, depending on the local economic context into a pooled fund. The fund would be professionally managed by an autonomous unit established within the local government: the District Health Insurance Fund Authority (DHIFA). This entity would function with the efficiency and transparency of a corporate social enterprise, governed by

Minister of Health Dr. Aceng Urges Lango to Prioritise Education and Discipline During Patriotism Pass Out

Lira, Uganda | Minister of Health and Lira City Woman MP, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, has called on the people of Lango to invest in education and youth development, stressing the importance of integrity, discipline, and patriotism as foundational values for the country’s next generation of leaders. Dr. Aceng made the remarks during the pass out ceremony of more than 400 students at St. Gracious Senior Secondary School, Leo Atubo Campus, who successfully completed a 10-day patriotism training program. The camp was aimed at fostering responsible citizenship, community service, and national unity among the youth. Addressing students, parents, and staff at the event, Dr. Aceng commended the school for its consistent efforts in promoting quality education and patriotic values. She said the successful graduation of over 450 patriots was a significant achievement for both the school and the Lango sub-region, adding that St. Gracious offers hope for educational transformation in the area. The ceremony featured a series of performances including military-style drills, traditional dances, poetry, and acrobatics all designed to showcase the wide range of skills nurtured by the school’s holistic approach to education. Dr. Aceng used the platform to voice concern over the growing issue of drug abuse among young people, warning that many are falling victim due to misinformation, peer pressure, and lack of parental guidance. She urged parents and teachers to be more vigilant and supportive in guiding learners. She further emphasized that patriotism training plays a vital role in shaping disciplined, community-focused citizens. According to her, the training teaches values such as national unity, service to community, and broader concepts like the East African Federation and Pan-Africanism, which are essential for fostering regional cohesion and development. Turning to Uganda’s political landscape, Dr. Aceng encouraged citizens to vote responsibly during the upcoming party primaries and general elections. She advised voters to choose leaders who are committed to community service, rather than those who rely on tokenism and short-term giveaways. She also highlighted government initiatives aimed at wealth creation and mindset change, calling on students and their families to embrace development-oriented thinking and entrepreneurship. In a moment that drew loud applause from the audience, Dr. Aceng announced a four-year bursary for Micaiah Otim, the camp commander, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and discipline throughout the training. Otim, a Senior One student, expressed his gratitude and credited the training with transforming his character, building his confidence, and inspiring him to pursue a future career in the security forces. St. Gracious Leo Atubo Campus Headteacher, Jasper Okae, expressed pride in the results of the program, stating that it had significantly improved students’ discipline, hygiene, and attitudes towards personal responsibility. He noted that patriotism is embedded in the school’s broader educational philosophy, which includes academic excellence, writers’ clubs, cultural heritage promotion, and character development. Okae also emphasized the importance of collaboration between schools and families in addressing social challenges like drug abuse. He said St. Gracious has taken a proactive approach by integrating family-based guidance and counseling into its student support systems. The pass out ceremony marked a major milestone for the school and the wider community, reaffirming the growing importance of patriotism education in grooming a responsible, disciplined, and forward-looking generation in the Lango sub-region. Source

Soroti RDC Issues Red Alert Against Violence as NRM Campaigns Intensify

Soroti, Uganda | The Soroti Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Paul Eseru, has issued a red alert to all National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates, warning against acts of violence, intimidation, and violation of electoral guidelines as the second week of campaigns for the NRM primaries begins. In a statement released over the weekend, Eseru commended candidates for the generally peaceful conduct during the first week of campaigns. However, he raised concern over a number of incidents that, if repeated or allowed to escalate, could destabilize the political atmosphere in the district. He emphasized that the Soroti District Security Committee would not tolerate any breach of electoral rules and that security agencies are fully prepared to act decisively where necessary. Eseru underscored that campaign programs must be harmonized with the Office of the District Registrar. He noted that parallel and conflicting movements had already led to tensions in certain areas and warned that failure to coordinate could lead to fatal confrontations. He made it clear that any candidate found to be complicit in such scheduling clashes would face severe consequences. He also instructed candidates to strictly adhere to the NRM Electoral Commission’s official campaign timetable. Campaign events conducted outside approved hours particularly those held early in the morning or late at night are now prohibited. Eseru explained that these restrictions are intended to enhance security oversight and prevent night-time rallies where tensions are more likely to flare and monitoring is difficult. The RDC reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violence, intimidation, and harassment. He revealed that security agencies were already profiling individuals suspected of planning or inciting such activities. He warned that those involved, whether candidates, agents, or supporters, would be treated as security threats and prosecuted accordingly, regardless of their political affiliations. Eseru also voiced concern over the rising trend of mobilizing youth groups for intimidation. Reports from some sub-counties had indicated incidents of stone-throwing, road blockades, and direct confrontations between rival camps. He stated that any groups engaging in such activities would be immediately disbanded and those behind them held accountable. He urged all candidates to avoid hate speech, tribal remarks, and any language intended to divide communities. He stated that such rhetoric would be met with firm political and legal consequences, adding that campaigns must remain respectful, issue-based, and peaceful. To keep the electoral process under control, Eseru disclosed that all campaign activities across the district were being closely monitored by both uniformed and plainclothes security operatives. He cautioned that no one should act with impunity, adding that those caught violating the law would be dealt with individually and decisively. In his conclusion, the RDC assured residents of the Soroti District Security Committee’s commitment to peaceful, lawful, and orderly primaries. He warned that any candidate or campaign team attempting to destabilize the process would face the full force of the law without fear or political compromise. He called on all aspirants and their supporters to conduct themselves with dignity and discipline as the campaigns progress. The warning comes at a time when political activity is intensifying across Soroti District, with high-stakes contests drawing large crowds and fierce competition for NRM party tickets. Security agencies have continued to emphasize the importance of coordination, calm, and rule of law to avoid the violent clashes that have marred previous election seasons in the Teso sub-region. Source

Kadungulu Declares Block Vote for Minister Adoa as She Rallies Men to Join Savings Groups

Serere, Uganda | Residents of Kadungulu Sub-county in Serere District have pledged a block vote for the State Minister for Fisheries and incumbent Woman Member of Parliament, Hellen Adoa, as she intensifies her campaign to retain the NRM flag ahead of the party primaries slated for July 17. The commitment was made during a mobilization rally held on Saturday, where supporters, local leaders, and NRM cadres expressed their unified backing for the minister. The event, which drew large crowds from across the sub-county, was marked by songs, chants, and declarations of loyalty to Adoa’s leadership. During the gathering, Minister Adoa emphasized the importance of involving men in economic activities and called for increased male participation in savings and credit cooperative groups (SACCOs). She noted that while women have made significant strides in income-generating ventures, many households remain constrained by the limited economic participation of men. She pointed to the need for mindset change among men, stressing that household development could be accelerated if both genders are equally engaged in productive efforts. The minister cited examples where women are increasingly leading in trade, farming, and business, while a significant portion of men remain unemployed or underutilized. Adoa proposed expanding the reach of the Parish Development Model (PDM) to deliberately target men through tailored SACCOs and cooperative initiatives. She stated that by encouraging savings culture and financial discipline among men, families across Serere could experience greater economic stability and resilience. The Parish Development Model is a government initiative designed to uplift households into the money economy through structured savings groups at the parish level. Adoa said harnessing this structure for male empowerment would be central to her agenda if reelected. Community leaders at the event commended Adoa for her consistency and accessibility, saying she has effectively lobbied for roads, water, and agricultural support in the district. NRM mobilisers described her as a trusted leader with a proven ability to deliver on government programs. Local party leaders, including NRM chairpersons and women’s group representatives, formally declared their intention to rally all voters in Kadungulu behind Adoa. They cited her track record in service delivery and her advocacy for both women and youth as key reasons for their endorsement. Minister Adoa, in her address, thanked the people of Kadungulu for their unwavering support and called for a peaceful campaign period. She urged voters to focus on track records and leadership capacity rather than political rhetoric. She also cautioned residents against being swayed by unfulfilled promises from rival camps. The event in Kadungulu is part of an ongoing series of consultative meetings and community engagements across Serere District as Adoa seeks a fresh mandate to represent the district in Parliament. She is facing competition from Esther Lucy Acom and Florence Iyogil in what observers expect to be a highly competitive NRM primary. As the campaign enters its final stretch, Adoa’s team expressed confidence in the growing grassroots momentum, with youth and women’s mobilisers vowing to conduct door-to-door campaigns to ensure voter turnout in her favour. The Kadungulu declaration marks a significant boost to Adoa’s campaign, reinforcing her base as she continues to engage voters across the district. Source

Mulalu Rallies Support in Ngariam, Cites Hunger for Change

Katakwi, Uganda | As political activity intensifies ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, Daniel Mulalu, Chief Executive Officer of the Kazi Ni Kazi Foundation, has expressed optimism about his growing support base in Ngariam County, Katakwi District. Mulalu, who is seeking the NRM flag for Member of Parliament in Ngariam, said residents across the county are embracing his message of economic empowerment, peace, and inclusive leadership. He described the current mood on the ground as one of urgency and desire for transformation. According to Mulalu, the campaign is anchored on transitioning the community from subsistence to a money-based economy, with a focus on job creation, agricultural productivity, and improved service delivery. He also pledged to promote peace and reconciliation across communities, which have in the past experienced local tensions and underdevelopment. Mulalu’s entry into the race sets up a competitive contest against the incumbent MP and State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, as well as Augustine Otuko, a long-time mobilizer in the area. While acknowledging the high-profile nature of his rivals, Mulalu believes his grassroots approach and record of community engagement give him an edge. Through the Kazi Ni Kazi Foundation, Mulalu has been involved in initiatives aimed at skilling youth, supporting agriculture, and empowering women-led businesses. His campaign strategy has largely focused on door-to-door visits, village meetings, and listening sessions, particularly targeting rural areas often left out of mainstream political engagement. In communities such as Omodoi, Okuda, Kapelebyong, and Usuk, some residents have voiced support for a change in leadership, citing long-standing challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and youth unemployment. Mulalu maintains that addressing these issues requires a deliberate constituency development plan, centered on financing local initiatives, vocational training, market access, and improved government service delivery. He added that peace and unity remain a cornerstone of his agenda, urging all aspirants to promote civil discourse during the campaign season. The NRM primaries are expected to be a critical test of popularity for candidates in the Teso Sub-region, where political loyalties remain strong but increasingly shaped by service delivery records and youth participation. Analysts say voter turnout, grassroots mobilization, and candidate messaging will play a key role in determining the outcome of the Ngariam contest. Source

Ogwal Omara Fires Back at Rivals, Dominates Dokolo North NRM Joint Compaigns as Incumbent MP Goli Faces Backlash

Dokolo, Uganda | Joseph Jones Ogwal Omara, the leading contender for the Dokolo North MP seat under the NRM ticket, has dismissed allegations linking him to the delayed extension of electricity in parts of the constituency. Speaking to the members of the press on Saturday July 5, 2025, at Pretoria Hotel after the fifth day of joint NRM campaigns held at Adagwoo Primary School and Amwoma market in Amwoma Subcounty, Ogwal Omara described the claims as baseless propaganda meant to damage his public image. He explained that the extension of electricity is a government-led initiative, not a task for any individual, even if they once served in the Ministry of Energy. He emphasised that an MP’s role is to monitor and push for the implementation of government programmes to ensure that services reach their intended beneficiaries. According to Ogwal Omara, those making such accusations lacked a clear agenda and were only interested in misleading the electorate. He pledged to follow up on issues such as electricity, road infrastructure, and healthcare if elected as MP. The campaign event, which marked Day 5 of the joint NRM rallies across Dokolo North Constituency, was attended by candidates contesting for Woman MP, Dokolo North MP, and LCV positions. Woman MP hopefuls present included Dr. Lalam Anna Grace Atine, Adongo Jenet Elau, Arao Rebecca, and Atala Francis Ruth. For the Dokolo North MP seat, Ogwal Omara was joined by Ogwal Casemiro and Okello Alfred Junior. Incumbent MP Moses Ogwal Goli remained absent for the third consecutive day, a move that has triggered growing criticism from residents. Many believe that his absence is due to fear of facing frustrated constituents who feel let down by his leadership. Several voters at the rally expressed that they regretted supporting Goli in the previous election and vowed not to repeat what they described as a political mistake. A common sentiment heard among attendees was that they would accept any financial gifts from him but ultimately cast their votes for Joseph Jones Ogwal Omara. Rafael Okello, NRM Publicity Secretary for Dokolo District, warned that candidates who had not completed their agreed financial contributions to support the joint campaigns would not be allowed to speak at rallies. He noted that this warning had already been issued at previous events. Agnes Owiny, the District NRM Treasurer who spoke on behalf of the District NRM Chairperson, called for a peaceful campaign atmosphere. She urged candidates and supporters to remember that the process was an internal party affair and should not breed hostility. Joel Opota Okumu, NRM General Secretary for Dokolo District, appealed for mutual respect. He reminded the public that all the candidates were from Dokolo District and deserved to be treated with dignity, encouraging people to let the democratic process decide the outcome. Surveys and political assessments conducted across the three subcounties in Dokolo North, Amwoma, Okwalongwen, and Adok show Joseph Jones Ogwal Omara in a commanding lead. Observers noted that his strong ground presence and consistent voter engagement have placed him far ahead of his competitors. Meanwhile, opponents continue their attempts to gain ground, but local analysts believe the gap may be too wide to close before the NRM primaries set for 17 July 2025. Ogwal Omara appears firmly on track to secure the NRM flag for the Dokolo North MP race in 2026. Source

PWD Elections in Oyam Highlight Model of Unity and Electoral Integrity

Oyam, Uganda | All candidates in the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) elections for both Western and Eastern Wards in Oyam Town Council have been declared elected unopposed, a development that continues to draw praise as a model of unity, integrity, and inclusive democratic participation. According to local leaders, the outcome is a reflection of the deep-rooted solidarity within the PWD community, distinguishing it from other special interest groups such as the youth and elderly, where electoral contests often attract intense competition and disputes. Peter Emuna, the District Councillor representing Oyam Town Council, observed that this pattern is not new. He noted that PWD elections are often characterized by internal consultations and mutual agreement on leadership choices, which minimizes conflict and fosters a culture of consensus. He further attributed the smooth conduct of the elections to the group’s commitment to values such as respect, inclusivity, and transparency. Emuna also emphasized that vote-buying and bribery, which have increasingly tainted electoral processes in other circles, are notably absent in PWD elections. This, he said, has preserved the credibility of their internal democracy and positioned them as a model for others. Similarly, Ambrose Emuna, the Elections Registrar for Oyam Town Council, said the PWD electoral process remains one of the most organized and least contentious. He noted that the high number of unopposed candidates significantly simplifies logistical work for the Electoral Commission and ensures peaceful transitions. He also urged other special interest groups and mainstream political actors to draw lessons from the PWD approach, especially as Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections. According to him, the harmony and integrity exhibited during these elections could contribute to more peaceful and credible national electoral processes. The peaceful outcome in Oyam serves as a timely reminder of what inclusive, values-driven elections can look like and how marginalized communities can lead by example. Source

Alyela Denis Omodi Declares NRM Candidacy, Says ‘No Opposition Left in Lira City’

By Brian Innocent Opio Lira, Uganda | Alyela Denis Omodi, a civil servant and survivor of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, has officially launched his campaign for the Lira City East Parliamentary seat, pledging to deliver transformative leadership rooted in lived experience, unity, and infrastructure development. Launching his bid under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Omodi told the press in Lira City that the city no longer had an active opposition. He argued that the political landscape had evolved, noting that the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), once the primary opposition force in the area, had since merged with the NRM following the 2021 elections. He said the people were now united under one political umbrella, focusing not on competition but on the collective development of Lira City. Omodi, one of three aspirants seeking the NRM flag for the Lira City East seat, is contesting against presidential advisor Francis Okello Opio and businessman Ogwal Umar Kanjule. His campaign places strong emphasis on practical experience, personal resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to the community. He shared that in 1991, he had been abducted by the LRA, an experience that profoundly shaped his outlook on leadership and service. He said his time at Ngetta Girls School exposed him to the struggles of education in a conflict-affected region. These experiences, he claimed, gave him unmatched empathy for the people of Lira City East and uniquely qualified him to represent them. Omodi also appealed to the media to maintain professionalism and accuracy in their coverage. He cautioned against the spread of propaganda and urged journalists to provide the public with truthful information that would foster unity rather than division. Turning to policy, Omodi prioritised infrastructure improvement, especially road development, as a key pillar of his campaign. He said Lira City’s business potential could only be realized through a functioning and efficient road network. Without proper infrastructure, he warned, commercial growth and service delivery would continue to stall. With the NRM primaries fast approaching on 17 July, Omodi’s campaign seeks to position him not just as a politician, but as a tested leader ready to rebuild and drive Lira City East into a more prosperous future. Source