The NRM camp in Dokolo North Constituency gained new momentum on Saturday after several local leaders and former supporters of rival candidates publicly declared support for the party’s flagbearer, Joseph Jones Ogwal.
Speaking during mobilization meetings in Atabu and Barlela Parishes, community leader Ogwal Joseph Jones highlighted rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and alcoholism, noting that up to seven in ten families in some villages are affected.
He said the situation requires psychosocial intervention to restore stability.
Bata Subcounty Female Coordinator Nancy Enon dismissed claims that an independent candidate would perform better than the NRM flagbearer, arguing that such views were misleading.
She cited the limited impact of incumbent Woman MP Sarah Aguti Nyangkori, saying voters should rally behind Ogwal for the 2026–2031 term.
Former supporter of incumbent MP Moses Ogwal Goli, Maxwell Okello, announced his return to the NRM, saying the party remains stronger than individual ambitions. Goli is running as an independent after losing the NRM primaries.
Adea Bonny, previously seen at events of Ogwal Kasimiro and Democratic Front candidate Alfred Junior Okello, clarified he attended such gatherings as a boda-boda rider seeking income and remains aligned with the NRM and Ogwal’s candidature.
Bata Subcounty Male Coordinator Bosco Okello welcomed defectors, saying the NRM caucus provides the best platform for lobbying development. He urged returnees to support the mobilisation efforts fully.
Atabu Parish NRM Chairperson Morish Emuku Ekuju called for reconciliation with supporters who had crossed to other camps, saying most left in search of short-term financial incentives.
Bata Subcounty NRM Chairperson Obote Ben reminded residents of government projects— including Lira University, Akii-Bua Stadium, the Lira–Soroti Highway and Rwenkunye–Lira–Puranga road—urging voters to safeguard these gains by supporting NRM leaders.
Ocero Parish NRM Chairperson Moro Sam criticised incumbent Goli’s performance, citing poor service delivery. He pledged to mobilise strong support for Ogwal in 2026.
Addressing supporters, Joseph Jones Ogwal said leaders must apply practical solutions to community problems, likening the approach to medical practice.
He urged residents to support President Museveni and the NRM to enable effective lobbying for development.
Ogwal outlined his priorities: strengthening legislation, monitoring government programmes, improving education and health services, expanding clean water access and electricity, and supporting women’s groups.
He noted progress in SAGE reforms, PDM funding, and land secured for a youth skilling and adult learning centre.
He added that discussions on electricity expansion are underway and pledged to lobby for elevation of health centres and improved road networks.
Ogwal also criticised the incumbent MP for limited engagement with key government offices, saying this has slowed development in Dokolo North.
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