The political landscape in Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City, is expected to be turbulent as the 2026 elections draw nearer. Oryema Robinson Ogeri, a former journalist, has openly expressed his intention to unseat the current Member of Parliament (MP) for Bardege-Layibi Division, Hon. Ojara Martin Mapenduzi. Ogeri has warned that the upcoming political campaigns will be harsh and fiercely contested.
Speaking to members of the press at the Northern Uganda Media Center in Gulu City, Ogeri stated that the political climate in the division is already showing signs of an intense battle. “I tell you today, the campaign in Bardege-Layibi will not be a normal one. We have already seen indications of what is to come,” Ogeri said. “Many opposition members have started defecting to our party, NRM, but they come with demands we cannot meet.
Some are even moving from office to office, seeking favors to be made flag bearers. However, our party follows proper procedures for selecting flag bearers. We go through primary elections. They should come with respect and be ready to battle us, the original NRM members.”
Ogeri expressed his concerns over the actions of some politicians and leveled serious allegations against the incumbent MP, Hon. Ojara Mapenduzi, accusing him of being the “champion” of land sales in Gulu City during his tenure as the district chairperson. Ogeri claimed that many public lands and open spaces in Gulu City had been sold to private owners, leaving citizens with expiring leaseholds and no solutions in sight. He said that these issues were being ignored by current leaders, who would later attempt to use the land issue as a campaign tool.
“I feel disturbed and saddened by the actions of these politicians,” Ogeri said. “Many leaders have gone to the President claiming to represent the interests of the Acholi people, but they never consulted with anyone from Acholi. It’s selfish politics. They were each given 200 million shillings but have failed to disclose its purpose to the public. They claimed to fight for the rights and well-being of the people, yet their actions don’t reflect that.”
Ogeri emphasized his readiness to implement the NRM’s policies and manifesto, stating his systematic agenda for the people of Bardege-Layibi and Acholi, which includes youth innovation, securing land rights, and post-conflict transitional justice, focusing on reparations and compensations.
In a bold move, Ogeri pledged to only accept 10 million shillings of the 40 million shillings parliamentary salary, with the remaining 30 million shillings to be directed to his constituency. “If given the chance to represent Bardege-Layibi in Parliament, I will use my salary to support my people,” Ogeri promised.
Ogeri, a strong NRM member, is currently the District Manager for NIRA in Napak District. He started his education at Gulu Prison Primary School, later attended St. Joseph College Layibi for O-Level, Gulu Central High School for A-Level, and then joined Gulu University’s Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies. He also studied at the Institute of Anthropology for a comprehensive understanding of African culture and environment at Cologne University. Ogeri is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at Cavendish University.
His previous work experience includes serving as a Senior Research Officer in the Office of the President from 2015 to 2017 and as the Communications Officer at the Office of the National Chairman, NRM.
