Lira, Uganda | The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has staged a strong political comeback in Lira City, sweeping the division mayoral races in a development that signals a shifting political tide in the Lango subregion following the 2026 Local Government Council elections.
In a tightly contested race in Lira City West Division, UPC’s Emmanuel Ebong Opeto was declared winner after polling 7,117 votes, edging out NRM’s George Rashid Opio, who garnered 6,494 votes.
The UPC momentum was even more pronounced in Lira City East Division, where Odongo Denis Peter secured a convincing victory with 10,053 votes, defeating NRM’s Odongo Emmy Joe, who polled 8,079 votes.
The results were announced by the Returning Officer, Ipeto Aggrey James, at Lira City Hall in the evening hours of Tuesday.
Other contenders in the Lira East race trailed far behind, with Omach David polling 899 votes, Okwee George 788, Awany James Johakim 435, Ocip Moses 399, Ongia Daniel 202, Odom Denish 171, and Acar George 155.
The twin UPC victories mean the party will control both Lira City East and West Division mayoral seats, a development political observers say reflects growing urban support for the opposition party in Lira City.
The division mayors will serve alongside Lira City Mayor Sam Atul, who retained his seat on January 23, 2026, after polling 16,905 votes, ahead of Mike Ogwang Olwa Veve, who garnered 11,752 votes.
While UPC made significant inroads in Lira City, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) tightened its grip on Soroti City, winning both division mayoral seats.
In Soroti City East Division, NRM’s Latif Abdul Wali cruised to a landslide victory with 11,003 votes, defeating six challengers.
Solomon Epuru (NUP) polled 217 votes, Wilfred Onyango (IND) 424 votes, and Elias Ewacu (DF) garnered 74 votes.
NRM also triumphed in Soroti City West Division, where John Enomu emerged winner with 7,899 votes.
He defeated Isaac Asaku (FDC), who polled 3,874 votes, Samuel Eyobu (IND) with 1,443 votes, and Peter Patrick Emaru (UPC) who garnered 363 votes.
The contrasting outcomes in Lira and Soroti highlight evolving political dynamics in eastern and northern urban centres, with UPC asserting dominance in Lira City divisions as NRM maintains control of Soroti City.
Culture has spoken. Bye Obua