Kampala, Uganda – The competitive race for the NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja sub-region is beginning to take shape, with Mark Longole Guti, the NRM Chairman for Napak District, taking an early lead, according to a mini survey conducted by the Karamoja Leadership Institute (KALI).
The survey, carried out between Monday 11th and Saturday 16th August 2025, sampled 237 delegates from 30 districts across Uganda — including Karamoja, Eastern, Northern, Central, Western, and Kampala sub-regions. Five districts were covered in each sub-region via phone interviews.
According to the results, Longole leads with 53% of surveyed delegates indicating they would vote for him in the upcoming CEC elections.
Longole, who previously served as Uganda Country Program Manager for Peacebuilding with Mercy Corps, is followed by Hon. Dr. Lokii John Baptist (MP, Matheniko) with 17%, Dr. Johnson Ngorok (Director, Napak Heights Hotel) with 11%, Rex Achilla (Former RDC) with 9%, Hon. Lokii Peter Abrahams (MP, Jie County) with 5%, Hon. Ochero Noman (MP, Labwor County) with 3%, and Hadijja Adams (Businesswoman) with 2%.
Many delegates praised Longole for personally reaching out to them and for his past contributions to peacebuilding in the region.
“Mark came and consulted us in Masindi. That was great — for a man from Karamoja to come all the way. He is a people-centered leader,” said one delegate.
Another delegate from Kotido commended Longole for his clean record and his role in promoting peace during his tenure with Mercy Corps. A delegate from Napak highlighted Longole’s loyalty to the NRM, citing his active involvement in the recent party primaries in the district.
Longole confirmed in an interview that he has traversed 120 districts across the country, with only a few in Central and Western Uganda left unvisited.
“Mark is a unifying leader who will bridge the gap — not just for Karamoja, but for Northern Uganda and the entire country,” added a delegate from Arua.
Delegates also reported having been consulted by Rex Achilla, Dr. Ngorok, and Hon. Lokii John Baptist. For the remaining aspirants, most delegates said they had only seen their names on social media or campaign posters but had never met them in person.
Some candidates cited the high cost and time demands of nationwide mobilization.
“In future, these campaigns and elections should be limited to delegates from each sub-region,” suggested one aspirant, who requested anonymity.
During his nomination, Longole was accompanied by Lira District LCV Chairperson Richard Okello Orik, a longtime friend who officially nominated him.
With official vetting by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) underway, attention now turns to the final vote, scheduled to take place on 27th–28th August 2025.
