Alebtong NRM leaders abandon party flag-bearer for woman MP seat

Ahead of next year’s general elections, more than 11 National Resistance Movement (NRM) party leaders in Alebtong district have crossed over to support an independent candidate instead of campaigning for their party’s flag-bearer for woman Member of Parliament

The decision was announced on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at a rally for independent candidate Achen Christine Ayoo in Abongo Meno village, Tekulo parish, Abia sub-county.

A team of NRM leaders, headed by the party’s General Secretary—who also serves as the chairperson of the Alebtong district LC3 chairpersons Association—and Akura sub-county chairperson Alex Omara, publicly declared that the only suitable candidate for Alebtong district woman representative in the 12th Parliament is Achen.

Omara stated that it is their right to support a candidate of their choice. “As elected Alebtong NRM leaders, we are going to campaign for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, together with the MP for Ajuri County, Denis Hamson Obua.

“But for the district parliamentary seat, we are all going to campaign fully for the independent candidate, Achen Christine Ayoo,” he said.

John Opio, the NRM chairperson for Aloi sub-county, said Alebtong has learned from the past. “In the 12th Parliament, Alebtong district will not tolerate electing a leader without vision,” he asserted, despite acknowledging that party rules prohibit campaigning against the official NRM flag-bearer.

Daniel Obonyo, NRM chairperson of Abako sub-county, was more direct. “Alebtong district cannot send a teenager to Parliament. She is still very young, and her manifesto cannot push Alebtong district to the next level. That is why we cannot continue asking our voters to support her,” he declared.

Obonyo added that the district needs a strong woman MP, not a young girl, and that they would therefore campaign for independent candidate Achen Christine Ayoo over a candidate who is “married to another district,” a reference to Amolatar.

Christopher Ogwal, NRM chairperson of Abia sub-county, urged voters to give all their support to Achen Christine Ayoo. He also alleged that the official NRM flag-bearer is now collaborating with independents to campaign for herself.

“For that matter, as NRM leaders, we are also going to support the independent candidate and await the feedback,” Ogwal stated.

Other leaders present included Sam Omene of Adwari sub-county, Benard Ojok of Akura sub-county), Alex Obel, Alebtong town council. Daniel Otim and Patrick Odongo of Apala town council, and Patrick Okullu Okeng, Alebtong District NRM Publicity Secretary, among others.

Addressing the rally, the independent candidate, Achen Christine Ayoo, outlined her manifesto for 2026-2031. “Alebtong District needs a woman in leadership. I have worked for the last five years and lobbied for many projects for the people,” she said.

She promised to improve road networks, follow up on government projects in health facilities, boost water supply across the district, and support various SACCOs and women’s groups.

Achen also urged voters in Alebtong district to support President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta, citing the peace and unity brought by the NRM government.

With this significant show of support from local NRM leaders, independent candidate Christine Achen Ayoo appears to be gaining substantial momentum ahead of the polls.