Teso region gripped by political fever as NRM flag bearer battles intensify

As Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) gears up for internal primaries scheduled for July 16, 2025, the political atmosphere across the Teso sub-region is charged with tension, anticipation and fierce competition.

Incumbents are scrambling to defend their seats, while fresh contenders are staking bold claims. From Kalaki to Soroti and Amuria to Kumi, the race for NRM flagbearer positions is heating up, revealing deep undercurrents of public dissatisfaction, shifting allegiances, and intra-party realignments.

In a region that commands strategic political weight, both veteran politicians and newcomers are engaged in frantic grassroots mobilization. Door-to-door campaigns, village meetings and social pledges are defining the political battlefield as aspirants scramble to close gaps left by underwhelming service delivery or absentee leadership.

In Kalaki district, the Woman MP race has attracted a dynamic lineup of youthful candidates, most under 40. The exception is former MP Maria Goretti Ajilo, now 62, whose legacy in Kaberamaido still resonates.

She is widely seen as a frontrunner. Her main rival, incumbent Jennifer Ayoo Nalukwago, is facing backlash over her perceived absence from the constituency, allegedly due to academic pursuits in Kampala. Although she invested in local institutions such as Lynn Technical Institute and helped launch Saccos, some of these initiatives failed to materialize, denting her public image.

Adding to the drama, two senior police officers—Rose Alejo and Goretti Apako—have resigned from service to contest for political office, signaling the seriousness of this year’s electoral stakes. Meanwhile, Monica Asako, daughter of the late Brig Charles Oluka, has emerged as a formidable force.

Her tangible community projects, such as bridge construction using locally sourced culverts, have earned her grassroots support and positioned her as a serious contender. Some aspirants have already withdrawn from the NRM race, citing the high financial costs of intra-party campaigns.

This exodus is sending some candidates toward the National Unity Platform (NUP) or into independent runs, widening the political spectrum and complicating vote splits. In Bukedea, Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among remains unopposed, continuing a streak of political dominance.

Even in 2020, she secured the party flag and national seat uncontested. Her potential rival, Rose Odeke, was disqualified over residency issues. In Kaberamaido district, Ochero County is witnessing a tough contest among Veronica Isala, Francis Okullo, and Ocheng.

The Woman MP seat has evolved into a battle between cousins Jane Amongin and incumbent Awichi. Meanwhile, Kaberamaido county is likely to boil down to a contest between Alfred Edakasi and former DEO Richard Eliebu.

In Kalaki county, State Minister Dr Kenneth Ongalo is facing significant pressure from within his own base. District Chairperson Samuel Okello, backed by a strong grassroots team and former NRM district chair Charles Dickens Enepu, is mounting a fierce challenge.

Isaac Arwei Okello, a PLU coordinator and accountant based in Entebbe, is also in the mix, with solid backing from the Patriotic League of Uganda. Even Ongalo’s supporters acknowledge the challenge.

“This might call Ongalo to stock a lot of political firefighters in a bid to counter the inferno mounting from all corners of Kalaki,” one insider remarked.

Why do ministers often struggle to deliver effective services to their constituencies? Monica Asako explained, “Being a minister spreads you too thin. The job requires national attention, which can disconnect leaders from their constituents.”

In Katakwi, Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo remains confident, telling locals: “I won’t stop anyone from contesting against me. Let the people decide.”

But the contest is heating up with names like Viola Akurut, former UPC member Cecilia Anyakoit, and the rising Angella Anuken. In Ngariam county, MP Peter Ogwang staged a mammoth welcome-home rally, but murmurs suggest his grip may not be as firm.

His close ally Dan Mulalu is also on the ground, signaling a potential power struggle. Similarly, Soroti’s political field is increasingly crowded. While Soroti City East division has long leaned blue (FDC), Captain Mike Mukula’s son, Rodney Akongel Mukula, is reportedly eyeing a run, causing whispers about dynasty politics.

In Amuria, Minister Musa Ecweru faces contenders like head teacher Samuel Ediau and NUP’s Moses Ariong. The Woman MP race includes new names such as Margret Etilu and Anna Grace Ajore.

In Orungo county, incumbent Teddy Ayuk remains the frontrunner. Kapelbyong county presents perhaps the fiercest contest. The Woman MP seat has drawn five candidates, with Jacenta Atuto and Florence Adupo leading.

The parliamentary seat features a political clash between incumbent Anthony Esenu, retired Gen Joseph Arocha, and education commissioner Johnson Malinga. In the youth race for Teso’s regional MP seat, seven young aspirants are expected, including Emmanuel Omaria (Minister Ecweru’s son), Gabriel Otaya, Herbert Eonu (brother to Dakabela hopeful Harriet Anyimo), and Simon Peter Opolot.

Speaker Among had reportedly considered fronting her son, Daniel Maitum Engena, but later withdrew his name to consolidate support for her own leadership ambitions. As party nominations approach, voters are growing more vocal. Many are calling for candidates with tangible legacies, while others see new faces as vehicles for change.

The race is no longer about party loyalty alone—performance, accessibility, and authenticity are emerging as key factors.