Ofwono Opondo Defeats Minister Gidudu to Clinch NRM Ticket for Eastern Uganda Older Persons MP

Former Uganda Media Centre (UMC) Executive Director, Mr Ofwono Opondo has won the ruling NRM party’s flag for the older persons’ member of Parliament for Eastern Uganda ahead of the 2026 elections.

To win the flag, Opondo trounced State Minister for Older Persons Dominic Mafabi Gidudu in a tightly contested election during the ongoing NRM elections for special interest groups at Kololo Independence grounds on Monday.

Opondo got 168 votes, against Minister Mafabi’s 122.

“On behalf of the NRM Electoral Commission, I declare Ofwono Opondo, having polled the highest number of votes, as the NRM flagbearer for MP for older persons for Eastern Uganda,” NRM Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr.Tanga Odoi said.

Speaking shortly after winning, Opondo said now is time to “strengthen the NRM voice on the floor( of parliament).”

On his manifesto, Opondo promised to bring national visibility to older persons in Parliament, criticizing the current MPs for older persons for being “invisible and inaudible.”

“When I rise to speak, I will be recognized,” he said. “I bring a national voice and access that can’t be ignored.”

He is calling for a review of the national pension scheme to ensure benefits keep pace with inflation, preserving the elderly’s purchasing power.

Opondo wants the Senior Citizens Grant eligibility age reduced from 80 to 75, with a long-term goal of covering all citizens aged 60 and above. He also proposes raising the current shs 25,000 monthly stipend to a “realistic and dignified” figure.

“Government may not afford to treat everyone fully, but it must prioritise children and older persons,” he argued.

Opondo pledged to build coalitions with MPs representing women, youth, persons with disabilities, and workers to form a unified voting bloc that can shape national budgets and policy direction.

“We’re talking about 1.5 million Ugandans above 60. With proper targeting, this is not fiscally impossible. What we lack is political attention and voice.”

With over 26 years in public service—14 of them as government spokesperson— the veteran journalist says he brings more than advocacy. He offers experience, connections, and the ability to navigate the political and policy landscape.

“This isn’t about ambition. It’s about obligation,” he said. “You don’t walk into Parliament to lament. You must read budgets, understand the Public Finance Act, and offer costed alternatives. If all you bring are emotional pleas, you’ll be told: ‘There is no money.’