Lira City, Uganda – The race for the Lira City East Division parliamentary seat is set to be a competitive one, with nine candidates, including the current Mayor George Okello Ayo, vying for the position in the 2026 elections.
The seat, which has been held by Jimmy Akena Obote of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), is now open as Akena shifts his focus toward the presidency.
Mayor Okello Ayo, a prominent UPC member, has announced his bid for the parliamentary seat, positioning himself as a leader committed to empowering young people.
In a recent interview, Okello Ayo criticized what he called “selfish and greedy” tendencies among some leaders in the Lango region, who he believes are blocking opportunities for the next generation.
“Leadership should not be something you die holding onto,” he said, stressing the importance of mentoring future leaders and setting an example for others to follow.
The race features a diverse mix of candidates, reflecting the variety of political views within the Lira City East electorate.
In addition to Okello Ayo, the field includes four other UPC candidates, two from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), one from the Democratic Party (DP), and one Independent.
With the city’s rapid growth and development, key issues in the race include youth empowerment, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.
Okello Ayo has a strong political background, having previously served as a youth leader and Mayor of Lira City East.
His tenure has been marked by significant efforts to promote local development, including the division of Adekokwok Subcounty and a long-standing commitment to serving Ngetta Subcounty.
His supporters believe his experience and dedication to the community make him the ideal candidate for the job.
The departure of Jimmy Akena Obote from the parliamentary race has sparked renewed interest in the seat, with many political analysts predicting a highly contested election.
As the son of former President Milton Obote, Akena’s influence in the region has been considerable, but with his presidential aspirations now at the forefront, the Lira City East Division seat is wide open for new leadership.
With the election just around the corner, the campaign is expected to focus on key issues such as governance, development, and youth involvement.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots in 2026, they will choose from a strong group of candidates competing for the future of Lira City East Division.
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