
“A clear-headed cadre of the NRM, it is no surprise that the late was undertaking ambitious projects in his home, to serve as an example to the community as well as bring development. Therefore, being the considered opinion of the party that Samuel Engola Jr is likely to continue the good work of his father, I hope the people of Oyam North agree to give him a chance to serve” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 04.07.2023).
This seat was bound to be between National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC). Oyam North has been fought between these two parties. While independents has also prospered, but not won.
Yesterday was no different. Yes, there was pre-ticked ballots, election interference and malpractice done on a high level. There was usage of law enforcement and soldiers to cause tension. While the final straw still went to the UPC. That’s not shocking but a mere fact of how this constituency is.
Jimmy Akena of the UPC was real on the frontline and fighting for his party. He went all out there and knew the possibility of a UPC victory. This is one of those seats the party has a chance of getting. That’s just the way things are…
The son of the late MP, Samuel Engola Junior wasn’t as lucky as others. We have seen in Serere County and Omoro County where the sons of the late has won the seats. Now in Oyam North that wasn’t the case. Here the UPC takes over from where the late Minister and MP left off.
Dr. Apio will now take the seat until the general election in 2026. She will have three years as MP for Oyam North before being incumbent in the next election. That’s just the name of the game. NRM will return and most likely she could easily contest against Samuel Engola Jr. again. It was so close that it can easily turn the other way. Especially, if the NRM gets away with rigging and intimidation ahead of the polls.
The FDC and NUP fielded candidates too, but they were abysmal, and I knew it would be bad. These two parties had no say in this one. That was a given so no one should cry or be worried about it. No, this one was between the NRM and the UPC. Anyone thinks differently haven’t follow the elections in the constituency or the popular opinion here.
We can just see the UPC triumphing the NRM for once. It isn’t often and it just seem to happen in a place where it makes sense. The NRM and the President knows the opposition needs some wins and seats to be viable. Therefore, the win for UPC can be a gain for him. It is not like it changes things in Parliament. The NRM isn’t really weaker or lack votes in majority. No, the Oyam North would only have a NRM flagbearer returning to Parliament and nothing else. It isn’t like the Andrew Ojok Oulanyah has revolutionized anything since taking over. Neither would Samuel Engola Jr….
We can congratulate the UPC and their new MP. They have a victory, and they were so close to loosen it too. It was a smidge above the NRM. That with the rigging and the attempts to conquer by any means. The UPC did it… but we just have to see how it will play out from here. Peace.









