Johnson Ocol Patel, a well-known businessman, has expressed support for mature political engagement in the Lango sub-region.
Businessman-turned-politician Ocol has declared his intention to run for Lira City’s vice chair of the NRM party. He has urged people between the ages of 30 and 40 to embrace change in their leadership to promote future progress.
Ocol, now 58, began his entrepreneurial career after finishing secondary school in 1990, earning the nickname ‘Patel’ for his humanitarian efforts during a period of insecurity in Northern Uganda.
At the time, he offered salt at a significant discount to help local victims.
On April 23, 2025, he publicly announced his candidacy for vice chairperson of the Lira City NRM executive committee ahead of the upcoming party elections.
He stated that Lira’s growth was driven by the instability in the North, which positioned it as a commercial hub for the Greater region. Patel also acknowledged a Kenyan businessman who helped the community during the salt crisis.
In discussions with other business leaders interested in various leadership positions in Lira City, he emphasized the importance of collaboration and effective communication in advancing Lira’s development.
“Our plans are to connect Lira with regional markets through business linkages,” he said, while crediting President Museveni for creating stability and enabling business success.
“Politics shouldn’t divide us. We can disagree on ideas but must unite for development,” stated Patel.
He thanked President Yoweri Museveni for the country’s transformative peace and urged residents of Lira City and the surrounding Lango region to vote for Museveni and Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero in the upcoming elections.
Lira became Uganda’s business hub during the crisis. Now imagine what we’ll achieve with peace,” he stated.
Ocol is the Managing Director of JB United Construction Company Limited, DaysInn Hotel and fuel stations.
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