NRM sweeps Lango LC polls as voters abandon old loyalties

NRM has emerged dominant in Lango local council elections, winning key districts including Lira City, Apac, Kole, Kwania and Dokolo as voters signal a shift toward performance-based politics.

NRM candidates secured major victories in Lango sub-region local council elections.

Lango Sub-region, Uganda: The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has emerged as the dominant force in the recently concluded local council elections across the Lango sub-region, tightening its grip on district and city leadership and dislodging long-standing opposition strongholds in what voters describe as a clear shift toward performance-based politics.

From Lira City to Apac, Kole, Dokolo and Kwania districts, the ruling party registered key victories, leaving the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) reeling in areas historically regarded as its political backyard.

In Lira City, incumbent mayor Sam Atul retained his seat after polling 16,905 votes, defeating Mike Ogwang Olwa Veve who garnered 11,752 votes.

Lira City Returning Officer Ipeto Aggrey James declared the results, describing the exercise as peaceful and transparent.

At Ojwina Division, market vendor Akello Janet said her vote was guided by continuity rather than party loyalty. “I voted for Atul because the city has been calm and services have improved. We still have challenges, but changing leadership every time also slows development,” she said.

However, boda boda rider Okello Denis from Adyel Division noted growing political awareness among voters, saying the narrowing margins show competition is tightening. Ogwang Olwa Veve later accepted the results and urged supporters to remain calm.

In Apac District, Ambrose Agec (NRM) defeated incumbent Ikomba Odongo Asanti (UPC) after polling 29,928 votes against 17,470 votes, according to results from 263 polling stations.

Apac District Returning Officer Onoba Richard said the polls were conducted peacefully.

Farmer Lanyero Bosco from Chegere Sub-county said voters were seeking accountability. “We gave the incumbent time, but people felt promises were not fulfilled. This vote was about trying something new,” he said.

Asanti conceded defeat, thanked supporters and called for unity.

In Oyam District, Nelson Adea (UPC) defeated incumbent Benson Dila (NRM) after polling 27,312 votes against 21,491 votes, marking one of the few setbacks for the ruling party in the sub-region.

In Kole District, Oteng Moses (NRM) edged out Obol Danish (UPC) by a narrow 449-vote margin, signaling a closely divided electorate.

Youth leader Ocen Patrick from Alito Sub-county said the slim margin should serve as a warning.

“This was not a landslide. Leaders must listen carefully because people are watching closely,” he said.

In Kwania District, George K.K. Akacha (NRM) secured 23,118 votes, defeating Patrick Ogwang Obia who polled 17,234 votes.

Resident Akumu Grace of Chifuyo Sub-county said party organisation played a role. “NRM is organised on the ground. UPC was strong before, but things are changing,” she said.

In Dokolo District, Ogwang Peter (NRM) recorded one of the most decisive victories in the region after defeating Otto Apili with 29,113 votes against 13,581.

Retired civil servant Ayaa Samuel from Agwata Sub-county said the outcome reflected voters’ desire for clear leadership. “This vote was about leadership style and delivery. People wanted direction,” he said.

Otto Apili accepted the results and urged calm among supporters.

Across the Lango sub-region, returning officers and candidates acknowledged the credibility of the electoral process, with most losers conceding defeat peacefully.

For many voters, the elections marked a departure from historical party loyalties toward performance-driven decision-making.