Amolatar, Uganda | The Electoral Commission in Amolatar District has officially nominated Rtd Col. Dr John Francis Ongia as an independent candidate with NRM affiliation for Kioga County in the 2026–2031 parliamentary elections.
The nomination was conducted by Returning Officer Apio Irene Hope at the Electoral Commission offices in Amolatar Town Council.
Addressing journalists after his nomination, Ongia said he was motivated to join the race by what he described as persistent neglect of the constituency.
He cited poor road networks, unemployment, inadequate health services, and lack of access to clean water as key issues affecting residents.
He said constituencies represented by retired military officers have benefited significantly from government programmes due to their lobbying power, adding that parliamentarians must act as strong advocates for their constituents.
Ongia further pledged to prioritise equal pay for teachers, arguing that disparities in the education sector must be addressed urgently.
He appealed to voters to support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and elect leaders like himself who can effectively collaborate with the president to bring development to the constituency.
During the event, Bishop Joel Mukalu cautioned voters against being swayed by misinformation and personal attacks, saying such tendencies could prevent them from making the right electoral choices.
He urged the public to critically examine information and distinguish truth from falsehood.
In a separate nomination event, independent candidate Atala Lillian Winny was confirmed to contest for the Amolatar District Woman MP seat.
She said the district remains one of the most underserved in Uganda, pointing out that it still lacks a district hospital.
According to Atala, residents are compelled to transport deceased relatives to Kaberamaido for preservation due to the absence of mortuary facilities.
She promised to lobby for a fully equipped hospital with specialist doctors and essential infrastructure.
She also pledged to advocate for improved teachers’ salaries and to promote academic excellence by supporting high-performing students, following the example set by former legislators such as the late Imat Barbara Cecilia Ogwal.
Other candidates nominated today include Auma Janet Okao of the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) for the Amolatar Woman MP seat.
Seven other candidates were nominated on Wednesday. They include NRM’s Peter Okodo (Kioga North County) and Adupa Felix Ongwech (Kioga County); UPC’s Angwech Collins (Kioga County) and Geoffrey Ocen Kiring (Kioga County); FDC’s Moses Jr Okot Bitek (Kioga County) and Independent Opul Carlos (Kioga County).
However, Onyum Denis of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who was expected to be nominated for Kioga County, was disqualified due to inconsistencies in his A-Level academic documents.
