2026 ELECTION TENSION: Two State House Staff Pile Pressure to Unseat Sports Minister Ogwang
With the 2026 general election fast approaching, Ngariam County in Katakwi District has emerged as one of Uganda’s hottest political battlegrounds.
At the center of the unfolding drama is State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, who now finds himself under mounting pressure from two of his former allies, Dan Mulalu and Augustine Otuko, both of whom are senior staff at State House and key figures in Uganda’s political mobilization machinery.
The two State House operatives, both serving as Senior Private Secretaries in charge of Political Mobilization and Affairs, have openly declared their intentions to unseat Ogwang, setting the stage for one of the most contentious electoral showdowns in the region.
Their aggressive mobilization efforts in Ngariam County have drawn thousands of supporters and triggered alarm within Ogwang’s political circles.
Old Allies Turned Rivals
Mulalu and Otuko were once close confidants of Minister Ogwang.
Their friendship and political alliance trace back to the early 2010s when they played pivotal roles in securing Ogwang’s seat as Youth MP in 2011, and later as Usuk County MP in 2016.
Their influence, organization, and loyalty were seen as cornerstones of Ogwang’s earlier political success.
However, the relationship began to fray around the 2021 election cycle. Augustine Otuko contested against Ogwang for the Ngariam County seat, but his campaign was marred by violence and disorganization.
He lost the race, with observers attributing the defeat to electoral chaos, intimidation, and alleged malpractice that tainted the vote.
Now, in 2025, both Otuko and Mulalu have returned to the political scene with renewed energy, determined to wrestle the constituency from their former associate.
Their separate yet similarly ambitious moves have put Ogwang on edge, with the latest NRM grassroots elections serving as a litmus test for who holds the real political weight in Katakwi.
Grassroots Momentum and Popular Support
This week, both Otuko and Mulalu were welcomed by large crowds in various parts of Ngariam County, with locals singing praises and pledging support. The show of strength was not just symbolic, it was backed by electoral results.
During the recent NRM grassroots party elections, candidates backed by Otuko and Mulalu reportedly won by an overwhelming 86% margin, dealing a severe blow to Ogwang’s long-standing dominance in the region.
The most telling defeat came during the LC1 elections in Angopet Cell, Katakwi Town Council, where Gabriel Ogele, a former agent of Minister Ogwang who has since crossed over to Mulalu’s camp, won decisively with 189 votes.
He defeated Malinga Collins, a candidate believed to be Ogwang’s personal choice.
The outcome sent shockwaves across local political circles and signaled a significant erosion of Ogwang’s influence.
Election Chaos and Allegations of Manipulation
The LC1 elections in Angopet on May 6 were marred by controversy and allegations of voter manipulation. Tensions flared when Ogwang’s agents were accused of ferrying in unregistered voters to tilt the outcome in his favor.
Rival camps protested, insisting that only registered NRM members be allowed to vote. The dispute quickly escalated into chaos, prompting the Katakwi District Police Commander (DPC) to intervene.
Town Clerk Mr. Oluka Fidel, who was monitoring the situation, alerted police to restore calm.
Law enforcement officers arrived on the scene and postponed the vote to the following day. This move reportedly infuriated Ogwang’s camp, who believed Oluka had conspired against him.
The rescheduled vote proceeded peacefully, but the damage was already done.
Ogwang’s camp suffered a humiliating defeat, with his candidate losing by a wide margin.
The victory for Ogele, who is also closely aligned with Vice President Jessica Alupo, was celebrated by supporters as a sign that the old guard’s hold on local politics was weakening.
Public Sentiment Shifting
While Ogwang continues to be active in community initiatives, donating to churches, supporting youth groups, and attending local events, many believe these gestures are no longer enough to secure loyalty.
Political analysts note that the public mood in Ngariam has shifted toward candidates who advocate for peaceful and transparent politics.
“People are no longer just looking at who brings money,” said local political analyst Isaac Emuron. “They want leaders who listen, leaders who can bring peace and dignity to the process. That’s why Otuko and Mulalu are gaining momentum.”
Uncertain Future for Ogwang
The political contest in Ngariam has turned from routine to explosive, with Ogwang fighting battles on multiple fronts.
His declining popularity has alienated many of his former allies. Even within the NRM, murmurs of discontent are growing louder, with some suggesting that the party might need new representation in the constituency to maintain its stronghold.
Whether Ogwang will be able to mount a comeback or find a way to mend the fractured relationships remains to be seen. What is clear is that Ngariam County, once a safe zone for the Minister, has become a political warzone.
A New Political Order?
Both Mulalu and Otuko have yet to officially declare who will carry the flag among them in the 2026 general elections.
Political observers speculate that a potential alliance between the two could produce a single, powerful candidate capable of unseating Ogwang with ease. However, internal ambitions and political calculations may complicate such unity.
For now, both camps continue to mobilize, with rallies, grassroots meetings, and strategy sessions happening almost daily. The electorate is energized and watching closely.
And while the dust is far from settling, one thing is undeniable, Ngariam politics will never be the same again.
