NRM regional seat: Engola tells Obua, Ojede to “step aside” for him

Sam Engola, a seasoned politician and former State Minister for Housing, has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic severely hampered his 2021 election campaign for the NRM’s top regional seat.

Speaking to journalists at his St. Lira Hotel in Lira City, Engola announced that he will run for vice chairperson of the NRM for Northern Uganda. He reflected on the difficulties he encountered during the peak of the pandemic and how they affected his political ambitions.

“The COVID-19 pandemic came with unprecedented challenges. Campaigns were restricted, public gatherings were banned, and it was difficult to reach out to my constituents,” Engola said. “This greatly affected my ability to connect with voters and deliver my message effectively.”

Jacob Oulanyah was the winner of that election. Oulanyah, who also served as the Omoro MP and Speaker of Parliament, died in Seattle, USA, in 2022.

Since his death, the regional seat has remained vacant. Engola remains optimistic about his new bid to succeed the late Oulanyah, saying he is committed to addressing the region’s pressing issues, such as poverty, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure.

Engola, who had served prior to losing his seat to late Oulanyah, said: “Northern Uganda has immense potential, but it needs strong leadership to unlock it. I am ready to work with the people to bring development and improve livelihood.”

He (Engola) previously served as the Member of Parliament for Erute County South and has held a number of ministerial positions. His decision to run for vice chairperson represents a shift in his political priorities, with a focus on regional leadership.

Political analysts believe that Engola’s experience and name recognition may give him an advantage in the race. They also point out that he will face stiff competition from other candidates vying for the position.

As the campaign season heats up, Engola has pledged to run an issue-based campaign centered on unity, development, and empowerment for Northern Ugandans.

He revealed that when he started his political movement and campaigns in Lango and Northern Uganda, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) was extremely unpopular in the area.

“When I started the movement campaigns, nobody wanted NRM here. It was a tough battle, but I was determined to bring change,” he said.

He also highlighted his role in brokering peace in Northern Uganda during the conflict’s peak. “I went to Juba for over two years to negotiate peace for Northern Uganda. It was a difficult time, but I knew peace was the only way forward for our people,” he added.

The former minister also revealed that he used his personal resources to persuade people in the region to cooperate with the NRM government after it took power. “I believed in the government’s vision, and I worked tirelessly to bring people on board. For my efforts, I was even arrested and taken to Luzira Prison.”

“But eventually, the government realized that I was doing a great job in changing mindsets and bringing people back to support the government,” Engola stated.

As he seeks the position, Engola is urging other candidates to recognize his contributions and step aside. “This election is not just for Northern Ugandans; it is for the whole country. I am kindly asking my fellow aspirants to leave this seat for me.

“This is my position, and I have earned it through years of service and sacrifice,” he said. “Northern Uganda has suffered for too long. It is time for us to come together and build a brighter future. I have the experience and the vision to lead this change.”

Three aspirants from Lango have so far shown their interest in this position: Ajuri County MP Denis Hamson Obua (GCW), and former Moroto MP contestant Bobson Ziegler Ojede.