By KT Reporter
Opposition political parties are steadily making inroads into the Karamoja sub-region, long regarded as a firm stronghold of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Traditionally considered a no-go zone for opposition politics, Karamoja is now witnessing a wave of political awakening ahead of the 2026 general elections. The National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have both established regional offices in Moroto Municipality, an unprecedented move that signals a potential shift in the region’s political landscape.
Despite fears of intimidation from state actors, several opposition aspirants have declared their interest in contesting for key positions at both parliamentary and local government levels.Two female aspirants have already emerged under the FDC banner to contest for the Woman Member of Parliament seats for Moroto Municipality and Moroto District. The NUP has also unveiled its candidate for the Moroto Municipality parliamentary seat, setting the stage for a competitive race.These opposition contenders are expected to face off with the incumbent NRM flag bearer, Frank Adome Lorika, and Fred Angella, an independent candidate who lost in the NRM primaries.Hellen Kiyai, the FDC candidate for Woman MP for Moroto District, said the opposition had come to “fill the gaps left by the NRM,” especially in tackling corruption and addressing economic inequality.
She criticised the ruling party’s long tenure in Karamoja, saying the region remains among the most impoverished despite decades of NRM leadership. “It’s time the people of Moroto considered a change,” she added, urging voters to send her to Parliament to champion their development and social transformation.
Zainab Angella, who previously contested for Moroto District Woman MP under NUP, has bounced back, this time running for the Moroto Municipality seat on the FDC ticket. She described herself as “the voice of change” that the people of Moroto deserve, pledging to prioritise better infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
She revealed that FDC had successfully nominated several local councillors across all administrative levels, a move she believes will bolster vote mobilisation efforts. While acknowledging cases of intimidation and threats from security operatives, Angella urged her supporters to remain disciplined and to adhere to Electoral Commission guidelines.
“We are not scared. The law is on our side, and we shall continue to demand a level playing field for all contestants,” she insisted. //Cue in: “I’m here to demand…
Meanwhile, George Francis Ojamuge, the NUP flag bearer for Moroto Municipality and a popular radio presenter formerly with Ateker FM, said his team is actively recruiting foot soldiers in every sub-county to rally support for their party and its president, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
Originally aspiring to contest for the district chairperson seat, Ojamuge switched to the parliamentary race after what he described as “community consultations” with people “yearning for change but living in fear.”
He accused the current leadership of “monetising politics” and betraying democratic principles, leading to poor service delivery and public disillusionment. “My entry into politics is driven by the desire to restore integrity, promote peace, and unite our people for development,” Ojamuge said.
However, he expressed concern about growing threats to his safety, claiming that security operatives had warned him to quit politics or face consequences.
During a recent FDC mobilisation drive in Karamoja, the party’s presidential candidate, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, called on residents to rise and reclaim their destiny by voting for change. “If all the Karamojong stand up and guard their votes, no one can steal their victory,” Mafabi said.
He encouraged supporters to resist intimidation and ensure their votes count in what he termed “a decisive election for the region’s future.”
However, state officials have not taken kindly to the opposition’s growing visibility. Milton Odongo, the Resident District Commissioner of Napak, vowed to “dismantle” opposition networks in the district, particularly targeting youths promoting NUP activities.
He cited one youth leader, reportedly a beneficiary of a government loan scheme, questioning why anyone receiving government support would “turn around to betray the same government.”“We are monitoring them closely. If they repent, their sins will be forgiven—but if not, they will face the consequences,” Odongo warned.
With increased opposition activity and vocal candidates challenging the ruling establishment, the political tide in Karamoja appears to be shifting. What was once an NRM stronghold may now become one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in the 2026 general elections.
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