By Watera Atai Icon,
REGIONAL
Uganda’s biggest opposition political party, the National Unity platform has endorsed former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) member Simon Tolit Akecha as their flag-bearer in the upcoming Omoro County by-election.
Omoro county seat fell vacant last month following the death of MP and former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.
On Monday, the NUP Election Management Committee vetted six candidates who had expressed interest in carrying the party’s flag for the Omoro County by-election.
The candidates include Alison Ramto Flavia, Kizza Oscar, Ochola Charles, Simon Toolit Akecha, and Secondo Okoth Abok.
The NUP electoral body on Tuesday met with all candidates engaging them to front one person as their candidate. In a closed door meeting that lasted for about four hours, members accepted to step down for Tolik Akecha given his past proven experience in the Omoro county politics.
It should be recalled that Akecha was a candidate in the 2O21 Omoro county MP election and became the second losing to Jacob L’okori Oulanya (now the deceased).
He will be facing off with ruling NRM party candidate, Andrew Ojok (Oulanyah’s son). Other parties such as FDC, DP, JEEMA are yet to front their candidates.
The Electoral Commission set May 26, 2022, as the date for the Omoro County by-election. According to the Electoral Commission road map, the nomination of candidates will take place from May 12 to May 13 at Omoro District Council Hall. The campaigns will take place from May 16 to 24.
Speaking to the media shortly after the endorsement, Akecha said that he will immediately commence campaigns in Nortbern Uganda ensuring that victory is on his side.
“You all know the way politics in Northern Uganda operates. If the president has chosen to endorse the son (Andrew Ojok Oulanya) just as he did to the father, we will not hesitate. Campaigns have started today and victory is for NUP,” he said
Unveiling Akecha as the party’s suitable candidaate, Robert Kyagulanyi the NUP president commented that the decision to endorse Akecha was reached after realizing that he is a potential candidate the people of Omoro county wants to represent them.
Kyagulanyi hailed other candidates who had expressed interests for accepting to willingly step down for Akecha.
