Lira, Uganda | The National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Lira City has taken a decisive turn toward business-driven leadership following the successful election of a new executive committee dominated by prominent entrepreneurs and technocrats.
Leading the new team is Minister of Health and Lira City Woman MP, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, who was elected unopposed as Chairperson of Lira City NRM.
Her election, held on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Ambalal Primary School in Lira City West Division, officially marked a generational shift in the party’s leadership since Lira City’s split from the greater Lira District.
Dr. Aceng pledged to restore harmony within the party ranks, stressing that past conflicts were largely due to the absence of a clear leadership structure tailored for Lira City.
She emphasized reconciliation, unity, and mutual respect as pillars for rebuilding the party and preparing for the 2026 general elections.
Joining her at the helm are some of the city’s most influential business figures, signalling a merger of economic power and political authority within the local NRM hierarchy.
Johnson Ocol, owner of Days Inn Hotel, Shell Midtown Petrol Station, and JB Construction Company Ltd, was also elected unopposed as Vice Chairperson.
The position of General Secretary went to Dr. Chris Ongom, founder of GLOFORD and a renowned entrepreneur, who secured 51 votes against Ogwang Wilson’s 8.
Denis Okello, known widely by his moniker Potcwao, a household name in the city’s business circles, was elected Secretary for Finance.
Former district NRM Publicity Secretary Jacob Ocen retained his seat after defeating two contenders.
Ongora Brian Yeko was elected unopposed as the Lira City NRM Chairperson for the Youth League, alongside Pamella Angwech Engola, daughter of Senior Presidential Advisor Sam Engola, who also went unopposed as his Vice Chairperson.
Observers have noted that the dominance of private sector players in the new leadership could reshape NRM’s strategic direction in Lira City—bringing in more structured resource mobilization and a results-oriented management style.
NRM Assistant Registrar Walter Abura commended the peaceful conduct of the elections and described the process as transparent and fair.
He noted that no formal complaints had been received, although the party is open to hearing grievances for up to 14 days post-election.
He also dismissed allegations that affluent candidates manipulated the outcome or mobilized non-party members to vote, saying there was no evidence to support those claims.
Otim Ramathan, NRM Veterans League Publicity Secretary, said his candidacy was driven by the continued marginalization of veterans within the party.
He called for unity and urged unsuccessful candidates to rally behind the newly elected team to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence.
With Lira City NRM now under a leadership structure built on business acumen and professional experience, analysts believe the new team could elevate the party’s local profile and influence ahead of the 2026 elections—if internal cohesion is maintained.
