By Frank Kamuntu
Uganda’s politics has adopted a ‘new normal mechanism’ where by when one dies, son or daughter must take over. As we report this, the National Resistance Movement has already cleared, Samuel Okello Engola, son of the late Minister of State for Labour, Col. (Rtd) Charles Engola, to participate in the Oyam North County by-election scheduled for the 6th of July.
This nomination followed the fulfillment of the electoral body’s requirements, as stated by Mr Richard Onoba, the Returning Officer for Oyam district. The two-day nomination exercise concluded Tuesday, the 19th.
The campaign period will span 13 days, commencing on Thursday, the 22nd of this month and concluding on the 4th of July. After receiving clearance to participate in the elections, Okello, expressed his determination to win the Oyam North parliamentary seat.
Speaking at the Oyam Town Council Hall after his nomination, Okello stated, “I am grateful to everyone who has stood by me during the grieving moments since we lost Hon. Charles Engola until this moment of my nomination. I am confident that I will secure this parliamentary seat and continue his legacy.”
He further added, “The key priorities, if we emerge victorious, align with the NRM manifesto, and we will strive diligently to fulfil them. The late Col. Engola focused on improving health and education, as well as extending access to safe piped water in villages. We aim to fulfill his vision.”
Okello will now battle Dr Eunice Apio, of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Mr Daniel Okello of National Unity Platform (NUP) and Ms Queen Dorothy Amolo who lost in the NRM primary election but decided to contest as an Independent candidate.
