With only hours left to Uganda’s Local Council II (LC2) elections, candidates in Lira City West and East Divisios have stepped up their campaigns, promising residents improved service delivery, accountability and stronger grassroots leadership.
The national LC2 elections are scheduled for Monday, August 10, 2026, following the conclusion of the LC1 elections on July 28. In interviews with our reporter on Saturday, August 8, candidates outlined their priorities and reasons for seeking the parish-level leadership positions.
Denis Ogwang, the NRM LC2 chairperson candidate for Barapwo Ward, said his decision to contest was driven by the need to restore peace and unity in the area. He said he would establish a system where problems raised by LC1 chairpersons are received and forwarded to councillors for onward action by city authorities. Ogwang also pledged equal opportunities for residents regardless of their political or religious affiliations. He promised transparency and accountability, saying resources meant for beneficiaries should reach them without diversion so that the ward can develop without corruption undermining service delivery.
In neighbouring Anai Ward, UPC candidate Prisca Tike Olwit said she was motivated by the desire to help residents address challenges that had persisted under previous leadership. She accused some leaders of concentrating on their personal interests while failing to remain transparent to the people. Tike cited low levels of education and inadequate access to water and electricity as some of the challenges she would raise with higher city authorities if elected.
Tike also promised to fight corruption in government programmes, citing complaints surrounding the cattle restocking programme. She alleged that while some beneficiaries received the Sh5m support, individuals managing the programme later demanded part of the money from beneficiaries. She said she would work with all LC1 chairpersons to promote transparency and restore peace in an area she described as heavily affected by theft.
Her rival, Nasuru Bashir Gareng, an independent candidate seeking re-election as Anai Ward LC2 chairperson, said his experience and maturity make him capable of leading the ward’s 12,809 households recorded in the 2024 census. Nasuru said the size of Anai makes administration at LC2 level difficult and promised to advocate for its division into two administrative units. He also pointed to the shortage of public services, saying the ward has only three government-aided primary schools and one health centre for its large population.
In Boke Ward, UPC candidate Ocen Geoffrey Ongia said he entered the race with new ideas aimed at addressing longstanding development gaps. He cited complaints over the implementation of the Parish Development Model and cattle restocking programme, saying many residents had not benefited as expected. Ongia said the ward has only one government primary school, no government health facility, and several poor roads. He urged delegates to elect a leader capable of lobbying for development projects and ensuring that government programmes reach the intended beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, Apollo Onyanga of the NRM, who is seeking re-election as Boroboro East Ward LC2 chairperson after serving in the position since 2001, said his long record in office gives him an advantage. Onyanga pointed to the establishment of Anyangatir Health Centre III and the opening of several community access roads during his tenure as some of his achievements. He also said his leadership had not attracted complaints over the PDM programme, arguing that beneficiaries received what was intended for them and that only eligible residents benefited from the cattle restocking funds.
The competing candidates have placed accountability, peace, infrastructure, and access to government programmes at the centre of their final appeals to voters.