Dokolo, Uganda | Tukei Smith, Principal of Adwoki Technical Institute in Dokolo, has declared his intention to contest for a seat in Uganda’s Parliament as a representative of workers under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
Known for his leadership in vocational and technical education, Tukei is positioning himself as a bridge between Uganda’s skilled labour force and national policy-making.
He argues that the challenges facing civil servants and workers can no longer be resolved by rhetoric alone but require leaders with practical experience and grounded policy reform agendas.
His recent victory in Dokolo’s NRM internal workers’ union elections strengthened his political credibility.
He praised the Electoral Commission for restoring order during a process initially characterized by disputes over voter eligibility, calling it a “necessary cleansing” that paved the way for his national ambition.
Tukei says his national campaign will focus on restructuring policies that affect civil servants, especially those working at the district level.
He pointed out persistent cases where elected union leaders face undue influence and obstruction from technical officers, including Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs).
According to Tukei, a key part of his legislative vision is to advocate for clearer, enforceable protections for workers’ representatives and a fairer system of participation that values merit and professional integrity.
He noted that current gaps in policy continue to stifle the voices of workers across districts.
Drawing inspiration from religious faith and the legacy of civil rights leaders, Tukei says he is motivated by the principle that the voice of the people reflects the will of God.
He believes that with continued regional engagement, starting from Lango and spreading to the rest of the country, he can rally the necessary support to secure one of the five Workers’ MP seats in the next Parliament.
As a member of the NRM, he says the party’s infrastructure provides a stable platform to advance his reform agenda.
His candidacy adds to the growing list of educators and technocrats stepping into Uganda’s political arena reflecting a shift towards leadership grounded in service delivery and practical experience.