Lira, Uganda – Three National Resistance Movement (NRM) aspirants Patrick Okwir, Ongora Brian Yeko, and Ocen Tonny have officially declared their intentions to contest for key leadership positions within the NRM structures in Lira City, pledging to rebuild trust, empower the youth, and strengthen the party ahead of the 2026 elections.
Speaking on Sunday April 27, 2025, during a press briefing at Pacific Grand Hotel, Patrick Okwir, Speaker of Lira City Council and male workers’ representative, announced his bid for Chairperson of the NRM Workers League for Lira City Council.
A lawyer by profession, Okwir said his decision follows his long-standing advice to the youth to engage in elective politics across all parties (NRM, NUP, UPC, FDC, among others) citing that policies affecting young people are largely passed without significant youth representation.
He noted that out of Uganda’s Parliament, only four MPs are classified as youth, making it critical for young people to occupy leadership positions where they can influence policy.
Okwir emphasized the need for politics based on love, unity, and development rather than hatred. He stressed that there is currently no substantial NRM leader in Lira City capable of uniting the party and that his leadership would consolidate party structures.
Drawing from his legal expertise, Okwir pledged to advocate for worker protection laws, including the implementation of a minimum wage for informal sector workers, a practice already adopted by neighbouring countries like Kenya and Rwanda.
Ongora Brian Yeko, aspiring for NRM Chairperson Youth League for Lira City, said he is best placed to represent the youth because of his strong ties and daily interactions with them.
Ongora promised to be a direct link between the youth and government, advocating for sustained government empowerment initiatives, including educational support to curb school dropouts due to financial constraints.
He attributed rising youth involvement in criminal activities to lack of economic opportunities and pledged to champion grassroots projects to create self-sufficiency among the youth.
While applauding President Yoweri Museveni for establishing regional skilling hubs, Yeko pointed out the shortage of vacancies and promised to lobby for increased access.
He also vowed to coordinate with youth leaders across the Lango sub-region to amplify their collective voice at the national level.
Ocen Tonny, vying for Chairperson NRM for Lira City West Division, said he entered the race to rescue party members from mismanagement and deception by previous leaders.
Ocen described himself as trusted, organized, and well-versed with the NRM’s internal dynamics.
He pledged to unite members, bridge gaps within the party, and ensure that loyal NRM supporters benefit from government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), which many have so far missed.
Ocen committed to vigorously mobilize votes for President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers in Lira City West Division.
He warned voters against selling their votes for small cash handouts and urged them to elect leaders based on integrity and ability to deliver during times of need.
The three aspirants expressed a unified vision: strengthening NRM structures, building youth empowerment, and ensuring that the party’s presence and support base in Lira City is more organized, inclusive, and development-driven.
