On Sunday, February 9, 2025, Kole NRM officials endorsed Senior NRM defender and NRM senior cadre, Awongo Patrick Ogwal, to contest for the position of Member of Parliament (MP) under the NRM party ticket in the 2026 general election. Awongo is preparing to consult and face fellow aspirants in the party primaries.
Awongo Patrick Ogwal hails from Kole North constituency, Alito Town Council, Bar Arwot Parish, Tekidi Ward. He is a renowned NRM peace lover and a strong supporter of President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta at all times.
According to Awongo, he stated, “I am a fully grown member of NRM, grew up in NRM, and I am a true defender of NRM/NRA. I have the pleasure to tell you that I am out to openly support the NRM structures of Kole North County and Kole District as a whole, whether I go through the primary election or not. I am here not for a trial but because I am tested and trusted with a clear mind and vision for the progress of Kole North. I am 100 percent ready to go to Parliament in 2026. I do not fear anybody but only fear God, and no one else.”
Quoting from 1 Timothy 4:2-6, he mentioned that he is relying on the grace of God during this political time, leaving everything to God, unlike other aspirants who embrace darkness. He emphasized the importance of improving the health sector, education standards in Kole District, roads, unemployment, the welfare of youth, women, and people with disabilities, among other issues.
Awongo vowed to unite the people of Kole District through the equal distribution of resources to all sub-counties, ensuring that everyone benefits from government programs without segregation or favoritism.
Okwir Allan View, the chairperson of the NRM in Aboke Town Council, stated that over 8,067 NRM party members have been fully registered so far as the NRM primary election draws nearer. He expressed his happiness about Awongo Ogwal’s support for party members and his open approach in engaging with the NRM District Executive Committee (DEC) in Kole, where he has been officially endorsed for the NRM party primaries.
Martin Olaka and Oteng Moses, both contestants for the position of Kole LCV Chairperson under the NRM party ticket, attended the meeting held at the NRM office on Sunday. Also in attendance were Okello Opio of Aboke and Ronald Okwir View, the District NRM Administrative Secretary for Kole District, among others.
Ronald Okwir View criticized some politicians in Kole for neglecting party structures and operating in a “Kangaroo style,” as Awongo did. He said that more yellow chairs and over 10,000 NRM T-shirts are needed for both office functions and party supporters.
Hon. Odyek George, the chairperson of the NRM Disability League in Kole District, expressed his happiness for Awongo Patrick Ogwal for respecting the NRM party structures in Kole by first consulting with them before conducting any other consultations. He praised Awongo for his generous contributions to party members.
Thomas Odongo, the Vice Chairman of NRM in Kole District, commended Awongo for being a man of great integrity and discipline, as emphasized in the NRM party ideology.
Lillian, the Chairperson of NRM in Kole District, said that Awongo is a living example of a disciplined NRM cadre who is knowledgeable about party policy and ideology. She noted that even in the recent election, he respected the party’s position for the flag bearer, rather than running as an independent candidate after the NRM primary election.
A local voter, identified as CornerM3m, who spoke to The Ankole Times, urged voters to differentiate between government programs and an MP’s initiatives. He pointed out that in Kole District, there are some people who often credit government programs as their own initiatives.
A 28-year-old woman from Aboke Town Council, who wished to remain anonymous, said it is now time for the youth to contest for the position of Kole North MP in the 2026 election.
