Six UPC candidates vying for the flag to replace Amongi

11 January 2025, 10:03 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Political activity in Oyam South is intensifying as six Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) candidates prepare to vie for the party’s flag ahead of the 2026-2031 elections.

This comes as Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, the current UPC flag bearer, shifts her focus to contest the Lira City Woman MP seat. Dr. Richard Monday Odongo, a prominent chemistry teacher and resident of Tei-Itek village, Atek ward, Minakulu town council, has announced his candidacy for the Oyam South MP seat.

Known for his dedication to education and health, Dr. Odongo has served at institutions such as Aculbanya SS in Kole, Dr. Oryang SS in Oyam, and Atapara SS, earning respect for his contributions to these vital sectors. Dr. Odongo stated that his bid is not a personal ambition but a response to public demand.

Joe Owili, a native of Minakulu trading centre ‘A’, Atego ward, Minakulu town council, and an accomplished lawyer known for his advocacy of justice across Lango and Uganda, is also vying for the UPC flag.

Owili pledged to conduct his political activities respectfully and collaboratively, both within UPC and across party lines. UPC has a long-standing reputation for unity, integrity, and people-centred leadership in Oyam South.

With six aspirants vying for the party’s flag, party members anticipate a competitive yet harmonious primary process, which includes Counsel Joe Owili, Dr Richard Monday Odongo, Dr Otim Tom, Dr Obuku Ekwaro, Easy Bash Machar, and others.

Denish Olila, commonly known as “Wot Agwok,” a UPC supporter from Acaba sub county, Oyam North, described the Oyam South parliamentary hopefuls under the UPC Party as a “ball put in the net,” symbolising a sign of victory for the mighty UPC. He called upon voters to support UPC candidates in the upcoming 2026 general election if they seek peace and prosperity.

Denish Ojok, a prominent caller on the programme Round Table at Shine FM 106.5 from Myene sub county, expressed excitement about the unity, participation, and behaviour of UPC candidates. He pledged his support for the UPC candidates in the upcoming Oyam South Parliamentary elections, praising them for their visionary leadership, demonstrated even before joining Parliament.

The transition marks a pivotal moment for Oyam South, as the constituency seeks a leader who can build on Amongi’s legacy while addressing local challenges.

With education, health, and agriculture as pressing issues, the race will test each candidate’s ability to offer practical solutions for the electorate.

The Oyam South parliamentary seat, previously held by the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, who is now an aspirant for Lira City, has already attracted at least 12 aspirants, with the number expected to rise.