“Gift Life” to give Lira City East MP seat a second chance 

Lira | James Ocen, a member of the UPC, has decided to run for the Lira City East MP seat again in 2026.

In 2021, he lost to Jimmy Akena, the incumbent. With 7,222 votes, he was behind Akena, who received 14,119.

With Akena widely expected to run for president, some City East residents see Ocen “Gift Life,” who finished second in the 2021 election, as a potential successor.

Margret Akello, an NRM party supporter, stated that she will vote for Ocen James regardless of political affiliation.

“As Akello, I am confident that the issues that have affected us will be resolved if we bring him to Parliament because of his abilities.”

“As a medical officer, he will improve many aspects of our health and education,” she explained.

Gloria Ageno of Iwal testified to Ocen’s goodness and promised to lead the mobilisation for the UPC parliamentary hopeful.

Ageno and several community members have advised other politicians to let Ocen run unopposed as the new MP for Lira City East in 2026.

Boroboro resident, Ocen Tonny, said. “I am here to ask other incoming aspirants to withdraw from the race and support Ocen James for effective development in our community.”

This publication has learned that Ocen will continue to run under the UPC party. A close source at UPC told this publication that he is being considered as a potential replacement for Akena over others.

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MP Akena has yet to name a successor to the Lira City East MP seat. According to a source, many people are pleading with him to allow James Ocen, owner of Gift Life Clinic in Lira City, to succeed him.