Otuke, Uganda – The political battlefield for the Otuke Constituency MP seat in the 2026 general elections is taking shape, with eight candidates—including the incumbent Paul Omara—officially expressing interest.
The aspirants were featured today on Voice of Lango FM’s Wimeja morning program, where they shared their aspirations, policies, and campaign strategies.
However, some key contenders, such as Ojok Okello, David Obong Oleke, and Bosco Odongo Obote, were unreachable for the interview.
Their absence did not deter discussions about their potential influence in the race, with many voters already weighing their chances.
Ojok Okello (UPC) – A visionary rural futurist, founder and CEO of Okere City, and a firm believer in sustainable development, Ojok Okello is running under the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) ticket.
With a strong academic background from the London School of Economics and Makerere University, Ojok is widely regarded as a transformative leader with a unique approach to rural development.
Tonny Opio Opio (NRM) – The Managing Director of Universal Interlink Co. Ltd, confirmed his bid for the NRM party ticket in the upcoming primaries set for June or July 2025.
He emphasized his deep-rooted connection with Otuke, having grown up in the LRA insurgency era, and believes his youthful energy and understanding of local issues make him the best candidate.
Jasper Abong (UPC) – Declaring himself as the only viable leader for Otuke, Abong stated that he will contest under UPC but plans to appeal to voters across party lines.
He urged constituents to focus on leadership qualities rather than party affiliations.
Moses Otim Augustine “Great Mo” (UPC) – A former contestant in the 2021 elections, Moses Otim Augustine, also known as Great Mo, is making a second attempt under UPC.
As the Founder and Executive Director of Noble Youth Foundation (NOYU) Uganda, Moses has positioned himself as a champion for youth development.
He boasts strong ties with NGOs and believes his lobbying abilities will help secure resources for Otuke’s development.
Bosco Odongo Obote & David Obong Oleke – Although unavailable for the interview, Bosco Odongo Obote—a former Otuke District LCV Chairperson—and David Obong Oleke have thrown their hats in the ring.
Bosco previously lost his LCV seat in 2021 to Francis Abola, and many see this as his political comeback.
Richard Omara Awio (NRM) – A familiar name from the 2021 elections, Richard Omara Awio declared he is 70% ready for 2026 and will run under NRM.
He insisted that his previous manifesto, which focused on education, healthcare, and structured ambulance services, remains relevant and unmatched.
He accused the incumbent MP Paul Omara of failing to deliver on key promises and allegedly rigging the 2021 elections.
Paul Omara (Incumbent, Independent) – The current MP for Otuke Constituency, Paul Omara, welcomed competition but dismissed claims that any of the aspirants had contributed to his victory in 2021.
He advised younger aspirants to focus on finding jobs instead of challenging him, asserting that he is confident of re-election due to his contributions.
The 2021 parliamentary race was a close battle, with Paul Omara narrowly defeating Richard Omara Awio by a margin of only 239 votes.
1. Paul Omara (Independent) – 6,681 votes (Winner)
2. Richard Omara Awio (NRM) – 6,442 votes
3. Moses Otim Augustine (UPC) – 1,369 votes
4. Obong Daniel (Independent) – 391 votes
5. Okwanga Geoffrey Dick (FDC) – 88 votes
With such a slim margin in 2021, political analysts predict that Omara Paul will face an even tougher challenge in 2026, especially with multiple candidates from NRM and UPC splitting the votes.
Community members have weighed in on the growing competition, with mixed reactions about the incumbent’s performance and the rise of new contenders.
• Ocen Bonny (Anai, Lira City): Warned that the number of contestants signals political dissatisfaction with Omara Paul’s leadership.
• Jack Bill Okello: Stated that Ojok Okello and Richard Omara Awio are the only two credible candidates.
• Okello Moris (Okwang, Otuke): Criticized Paul Omara, claiming he has done “nothing tangible” besides rehabilitating Barjobi road.
• Odongo Aboke: Argued that a high number of contestants indicates leadership failure, similar to the stiff competition in Kwania, Kole South, and Lira City.
• Acuma Tom (Aleka, Oyam District): Predicted Omara Paul’s downfall, stating that unlike his counterpart Julius Acon Bua (Otuke East MP), Omara doesn’t give back to the community.
• Anonymous caller: Asserted that the real contest is between Ojok Okello and Richard Omara Awio.
With NRM primaries in mid-2025, the race for the ruling party’s flag will be fiercely contested between Tonny Opio Opio and Richard Omara Awio, among others.
UPC’s lineup—Ojok Okello, Jasper Abong, and Moses Otim Augustine—will also have to consolidate support.
The battle for Otuke Constituency is just beginning, and as the list of aspirants grows, voters will ultimately decide who best represents their interests in 2026.