By KT Reporter
Gilbert Obici, an Assistant Lecturer at Lira University under the Discipline of Public Administration and Management, has joined seven others in the race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) District Chairperson seat in Kwania as the party prepares for the 2026–2031 general elections.
Among the contenders are prominent NRM cadres, including Nelson Sadam Abili, a former Councilor for Disability in Apac District; Maj. Fred Gawera, the Coordinator for Operation Wealth Creation in Kwania and Kole, and Bosco Olulung, also known as Acanadiro, a renowned Lira City businessman and proprietor of Acanadiro Bus Company.
Other aspirants include David Opeto, a former Procurement Officer in Kwania; Moi Daniel Odongo, a journalist with Unity FM in Lira City; Patrick Onyum Okwang, a veteran journalist with Vision Group and current LC3 Chairperson of Atongtidi Sub-county; and Achola Judith Eyer Ogwang, the current Kwania District NRM Vice Chairperson and a former journalist with Radio Lira and Mega FM.
Gilbert Obici, who is currently the NRM Party Treasurer for Kwania District, said his decision to run for the party’s top seat stems from a desire to foster unity within the party ranks. He cited internal wrangles among party members as a key factor in NRM’s dismal performance in the 2021 general elections, particularly the loss to Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) candidates.
“I began leading the party as Treasurer back in Apac. When Kwania was carved out of Apac, I continued in that role. I worked with the late Sam Omara Angai, the former Kwania District Party Chairman, until his passing. We encountered serious internal bickering. My intention is to unite party members and ensure free and fair primary elections to boost our performance in Kwania.” Nelson Sadam Abili, who was the NRM flag bearer for the Kwania LCV seat in 2021 but lost to UPC’s Geoffrey Alex Ogwal Adyebo, said he is returning to the race to revitalize the party and restore confidence among its supporters.
Patrick Onyum Okwang, another aspirant, emphasized his interest in restoring discipline within the party and fostering transparency and accountability. He also pledged to tackle the infighting that has plagued the district leadership.
The election of NRM party leaders at the district level is scheduled for May this year, according to the election roadmap released by NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong.
Under the roadmap, district conferences to harmonize leadership structures will take place between May 18 and May 30, 2025. Primaries for Parliamentary and Local Government flag bearers are set to run from July 20 to September 15, 2025-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
