FDC’s Otoo Apili joins NRM, eyes district chairperson seat

2 June 2025, 1:59 pm

By Baker Okello

The Dokolo district political landscape is shifting as the current district Chairperson, James Otoo Apili, formally announces his intention to seek re-election, but this time, under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

Otoo, who also serves as the Northern Uganda Vice Chairperson and Disciplinary Chairperson of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), confirmed his defection to the ruling NRM party, citing strong networks and development milestones achieved during his tenure.

He also revealed plans to meet President Yoweri Museveni to discuss the possibility of elevating Dokolo to municipal status, an upgrade he says will bring services closer to the people.

The FDC party in Dokolo has fired back. The district party chairperson, Okello Awany Julius Peter, also known as ‘Acan pi Ocan’, says Otoo has not submitted a formal resignation, as required by Article 12(14) of the party constitution.

Awany blames Otoo’s defection on internal party conflicts, accusing him of poor leadership during factional divisions and failure to uphold party interests.

Meanwhile, other NRM aspirants for the Dokolo District Chairperson seat include incumbent Vice Chairperson Tonny Odongo Ocen, Daramoi Denis, the district councilor for Bata subcounty and Ambrose Ogwang Awitong, the current NRM flag bearer.

As the political tide turns, Dokolo residents watch closely ahead of the 2026 general elections.