Lira, Uganda – Senior Presidential Advisor on Lango Affairs, Sam Engola, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Tonny Oteng, hailing him as a dedicated NRM mobilizer who played a vital role in strengthening the ruling party in Lango Subregion.
Speaking on Tuesday February 25, 2025, at Oteng’s burial in Abolet, Itek Subcounty, Lira District, Engola urged mourners to honor Oteng’s legacy by embracing unity and supporting government development programs.
“The late Tonny Oteng was a true patriot, a committed NRM mobilizer who worked tirelessly to strengthen the party in Lango. His contribution to our political journey will never be forgotten,” Engola said.
He further called upon the people of Lira to continue supporting initiatives that drive socio-economic transformation.
Engola did not hold back in condemning politicians who use funerals as campaign platforms, warning that such behavior was disrespectful to grieving families.
“Funerals are sacred moments meant for mourning and paying respects to the deceased. Politicians must stop hijacking burials to settle political scores. If you want to campaign, go to the markets, trading centers, but not here,” Engola said firmly.
His comments came as political tensions erupted between Lira District Chairperson LCV RCM Okello Orik and former Chairperson Alex Oremo Alot, who clashed over road grading and the creation of a new district.
During the burial, Alex Oremo Alot accused Okello Orik of unfairly prioritizing roadworks in Erute North while neglecting Erute South. He warned that such uneven service delivery could cost him politically in 2026.
“If you are a leader, serve everyone fairly. If Okello Orik continues grading roads selectively, he will regret it in 2026,” Oremo said.
Oremo also dismissed ongoing efforts to create a new district from Lira, arguing that the district lacks the revenue to sustain another administrative unit.
“This push for a new district is not about development—it’s about political survival. Okello Orik fears he won’t win in Erute South, so he wants to divide Lira to secure his position,” he stated.
In response, Okello Orik refuted the claims, insisting that road grading is being done evenly across the district. He further revealed that he had received threats from locals and some leaders over the issue.
“I am doing my job as mandated by the people. Those claiming I am favoring Erute North are just playing politics. The district council made the decision to relocate the headquarters to Ogur—it was not my personal decision,” Okello Orik said.
He also confirmed that a request for a new district had already been submitted, with its proposed headquarters in Erute South, to balance leadership between the two constituencies.
Florence Ongina Adupa, who has declared her interest in contesting for Lira District Woman MP in 2026, urged voters to remove leaders who have failed to deliver.
“It’s time to send non-performing leaders home. Lira deserves leaders who prioritize development over political games. People must vote wisely in 2026,” Adupa said.
However, NRM’s Lira District spokesperson, Ocen Jacob, dismissed her remarks and defended the incumbent Woman MP Linda Agnes Auma, urging the people to rally behind NRM.
“Some people are wasting their time thinking they can unseat our NRM leaders. The government has done a lot for Lira, and we must continue supporting it,” Ocen stated.
As the 2026 elections approach, the political heat in Lira is intensifying, with service delivery, road infrastructure, and district leadership at the heart of the debate. Whether Engola’s call for funeral decorum will be heeded remains to be seen.
