Lira, Uganda | Col. Dr. John Francis Ongia has been confirmed as the only candidate for the position of Vice Chairman, Northern Uganda, in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Veterans League, following the official closure of nominations on Wednesday.
The NRM Veterans League Electoral Committee confirmed that no other aspirants submitted nomination papers by the deadline, effectively leaving Col. Ongia unopposed in the race.
The elections are set to take place between August 22 and 28, 2025, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds and Namboole Stadium.
Col. Ongia, a retired senior military officer and long-serving member of the veteran community, is widely known for his contribution to Uganda’s armed forces.
His candidacy has been welcomed by several veteran groups who describe him as “a unifying figure with a deep understanding of the challenges facing ex-service men and women.”
In his manifesto, Col. Ongia outlines eight key areas of focus aimed at addressing both the short-term needs and long-term aspirations of veterans and their families.
Key among them is enhancing the involvement of veterans in the formulation and implementation of national policies, particularly those under the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs.
He also promises to ensure that veterans’ voices are heard at all levels of governance through formal representation structures.
The manifesto highlights the welfare of veterans and their families, with specific attention to healthcare, pensions, housing, and psychosocial support.
Ongia also pledges to facilitate access to economic empowerment initiatives, including government livelihood programs such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Another strategic area in his plan is the identification and placement of children of veterans, with an aim to integrate them into national development efforts and leadership training programs.
Col. Ongia also vows to champion veterans’ representation in both political and community leadership platforms, and to work towards closing administrative and service delivery gaps that often hinder veterans from accessing their entitled benefits.
His final pledge is to defend and promote the rights of veterans, including their legal protections and equitable inclusion in national programs.
With the race uncontested, Col. Ongia is expected to be officially declared Vice Chairman for the Northern Region at the end of the election period later this month.
The NRM Veterans League elections will bring together veteran delegates from across the country to elect new leaders at both regional and national levels.
