Ideology over bribes: Lango residents take a stand ahead of 2026 polls

27 November 2025, 21:55

By Winnie Auma

As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, some locals in different parts of Lango have pledged to prioritise ideology over monetary gains in order to ensure better representation and development in the region.

This follows a brief engagement our reporter conducted in selected districts across Lango, seeking residents’ expectations of their MPs ahead of the 2026 polls.

Bonny Ogwal, a resident of Apuce Village in Ayami Sub county, Lira District, said some contestants visit villages without a clear agenda and instead resort to distributing money in exchange for votes.

He noted, however, that many people are now aware of such tactics and vowed not to elect leaders who engage in them, for the sake of their community’s progress.

Grace Ekuka Thomas, a resident of Omak-Icingwa Village in Abia Sub county, Alebtong District, also stated that she would not vote for anyone who approaches voters with the intent to bribe them.

Another resident of the same area, Jackson Okot, said he always focuses on the manifestos of different candidates during campaigns to help him choose the best leader, rather than being swayed by money.

In Amolatar District, Janet Okot, a resident of Apokmit-Imogo Cell in Amolatar Town Council, said she intends to elect a candidate who can work closely with the government to lobby for development, including improved healthcare services and education.

Some of the locals our reporter spoke to in Bombay Cell, Juma Parish, Kamdini Town Council in Oyam District said they will vote for leaders who have their interests at heart, promote unity, and can lobby the government for developmental projects.

In Kole District, Florence Opolo, a resident of Alito Sub-county, said she would elect a leader who freely mingles with local people and can raise their concerns on the floor of Parliament for redress.

Meanwhile, Clavin Obote, another resident of Alito Sub-county in Kole District, said he prefers a leader who is willing to use their own resources to support the community, such as purchasing an ambulance to transport patients to health facilities, since the government-provided ambulance cannot serve the entire population.

The 2024 Sauti za Wananchi report by Twaweza-Uganda reveals that 64% of Ugandans view MPs as communicators responsible for relaying public needs to the government and strengthening connections with their constituencies.

Meanwhile, 29% expect MPs to provide material assistance, reflecting a societal tendency to regard MPs as providers of tangible support.