Amolatar, Uganda – The political contest for the Kioga County parliamentary seat is intensifying following the successful nomination of National Resistance Movement (NRM) hopeful Felix Adupa Ongwech. Adupa was officially nominated on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. by Dr. Tanga Odoi, the chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission.
Adupa was accompanied by prominent supporters, including Counsel Joseph Angole, Amolatar ONC District Coordinator Arfat Oyuku Odyek, and Makerere University lecturer Tonny Ebine.
Addressing the press after his nomination, Adupa emphasized the importance of transitional leadership focused on empowering the younger generation. “While we seek guidance from our elders, it is crucial that we create opportunities for young people to lead and transform their communities,” Adupa stated.
In his bid for the Kioga County seat, Adupa has outlined a comprehensive agenda centered on development and youth empowerment. His priorities include:
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Upgrading road infrastructure across the county
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Elevating Amolatar Health Centre IV to district hospital status
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Improving the quality of education
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Supporting youth in patriotic, productive business ventures
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Promoting poverty alleviation and wealth creation through government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Fund, GROW, and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP)
Adupa also expressed confidence in his preparedness for legislative duties, saying, “I am well conversant with the Rules of Procedure and have been studying them closely to ensure I understand how Parliament operates. It’s one of the essential tools every legislator must master.”
As of Thursday, the full list of nominated NRM candidates for Kioga County includes:
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Felix Adupa Ongwech
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Col. (Rtd.) John Francis Ongia
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Carlos Opul
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Lawrence Odongo
Local political analysts suggest Adupa stands a strong chance of winning the NRM primary. He was the runner-up in the 2020 party primaries and is seen as the most viable candidate to take on opposition rivals in the 2026 general election, given his experience and demographic appeal.
If victorious in the primaries, Adupa will face incumbent Hon. Moses Okot Bitek (FDC) and Collins Angwech Otim (UPC) in what is expected to be a highly competitive race. Observers note that most candidates, including Adupa, represent a new generation of leadership—unlike Col. (Rtd.) Ongia, the oldest candidate in the race, who has faced multiple defeats in past elections within Amolatar District.
The battle for Kioga County is shaping up to be a defining contest in the broader political landscape of northern Uganda as the 2026 elections draw near.
