Lira City Mayor Sam Atul and George Okello Ayoo have publicly declared their intentions to contest for parliamentary seats in the 2026 elections.
They made the announcement on Saturday in the presence of Minister Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, revealing that they are taking a step forward to challenge the incumbent Members of Parliament in both Lira City West Division and Lira City East Division, respectively.
George Okello Ayoo assured Minister of Internal Affairs Gen. Kahinda Otafiire at Lira Town College playground that he will no longer be running for the mayoral position. Instead, he is determined to join the 12th Parliament. “I am going to get Gen. Kahinda Otafiire into Parliament, come rain or shine,” said George Okello Ayoo. He intends to contest for the Lira City East parliamentary seat, currently held by Jimmy Michael Akena Obote, who also serves as the president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
In a dramatic twist, Okello Ayoo was jubilantly carried by youth wearing yellow NRM T-shirts as he descended from the pavilion. However, in a separate interview later that evening, George Okello Ayoo proudly discussed the successful developments in Lira City East Division, which he attributed to his brilliant councilors and the lobbying efforts he spearheaded.
Meanwhile, Lira City Mayor Atul Sam also declared his intention to contest for the Lira City West parliamentary seat under the NRM party ticket. He emphasized his goal of boosting the city’s business community.
Speaking before a large crowd, Atul shared that many local entrepreneurs started their businesses by selling goods along the roadside. “Please vote for me, Sam Atul, for Parliament, as I will boost your business, the health sector, and education, among other areas,” he said.
Mayor Atul Sam will face the incumbent MP, Hon. Shedrick Vincent Obongi Eyit, who has invested his own money and resources to improve the poor roads in Lira City West Division.
Both declarations took place during the Boda Boda Festival, which was officiated by Minister Gen. Kahinda Otafiire.
The event also saw the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Aceng Ocero, crowned the patron of the LUMBA Boda Boda Association in Lira City. Several dignitaries attended, including Minister Peter Ogwang, MP Tony Ayoo, Olobo James Dubai of Kyoga North Constituency, the Woman MP of Otuke District, Hon. Santa, and others.
