Two prominent political challengers have formally declared their intent to contest for parliamentary seats currently held by Ministers in Teso sub-region, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a heated race ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries.
Daniel Mulalu, a youthful philanthropist and CEO of the Kazi Ni Kazi Foundation, and Solomon Opio, the current NRM General Secretary for Kumi District, yesterday picked NRM Expression of Interest forms from the party’s headquarters in Kampala.
Their bold moves signal a direct challenge to the sitting Ministers of Sports and Energy, Hon. Peter Ogwang of Ngariam County and Hon. Opolot Okaasai of Kumi County, respectively.
Daniel Mulalu’s decision to contest for the Ngariam County seat, currently held by Minister Peter Ogwang, surprised many political watchers.
The two men have long been considered political allies, with Mulalu previously rallying behind Ogwang in past campaigns.
In a brief statement after collecting his nomination forms, Mulalu stated, “This decision is not about personal rivalry. It’s about renewing leadership and deepening service delivery in Ngariam County. My foundation has been working at the grassroots, and the people are demanding a more responsive, transparent, and people-centered leadership. That is what I am offering.”
Mulalu has built a significant profile in Katakwi District through the Kazi Ni Kazi Foundation, which supports youth empowerment, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
His philanthropic reach and visibility have earned him a growing support base, especially among unemployed youth and women’s groups in Ngariam.
While Minister Ogwang maybe a powerful figure within the NRM and government, Mulalu who is also a staff at State House entry into the race is expected to energize the party’s internal democratic processes, forcing a renewed focus on grassroots needs.
In Kumi County, Solomon Opio’s candidacy marks a comeback to the ballot, having contested and narrowly lost to Minister Okaasai in the 2021 elections as an independent.
This time, Opio is running under the NRM flag and is keen on turning his previous momentum into victory.
Speaking to the media moments after collecting his forms, Opio delivered a passionate address titled “A Message to the People of Kumi District and Kumi County.”
He dismissed rumors that he had bowed out of politics, been paid off, or suspended from the party.
“These are baseless allegations, deliberate attempts by our opponents to confuse and mislead you, the people of Kumi County,” Opio declared.
“Let me make this clear: I have officially picked nomination forms from the NRM Party Headquarters in Kampala, a step we have taken together, as the people of Kumi County, to express our united interest in leadership that delivers real development.”
Opio emphasized his commitment to grassroots mobilization, promising a campaign driven by truth, action, and accountability.
“There will be no room for lies, no room for propaganda. This is about people, action, and victory,” he said.
He urged the people of Ongino Sub-county, Tisai, Kanapa, and the wider Kumi County to rally behind his bid, promising to deliver on the long-standing demand for County status for Mother Ongino.
“With your support and through Opio Solomon, consider this a done deal,” he stated.
Opio also called on fellow aspirants to rally behind him, stressing unity and the shared goal of transforming Kumi County for future generations.
Both Ogwang and Okaasai are expected to defend their positions, leveraging their national profiles and extensive networks.
However, the rise of youthful and community-rooted figures like Mulalu and Opio presents a serious challenge to the incumbents.
Political observers believe that the NRM primaries in Katakwi and Kumi will be among the most competitive in the Teso sub-region.
The NRM’s nomination exercise is scheduled to begin on June 17, 2025. As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on how these candidates galvanize their bases and present their visions to the electorate.
While the incumbent ministers are yet to publicly respond to their challengers’ declarations, sources within their camps suggest that groundwork for robust primary campaigns is already underway.
The emergence of Mulalu and Opio underscores a broader generational shift in Teso politics, where younger leaders with grassroots networks and development-focused agendas are increasingly stepping into the political arena.
As the NRM seeks to consolidate its dominance in Teso ahead of the 2026 general elections, internal democracy, transparency, and the ability to renew leadership from within will be under the spotlight.
For now, the political temperature in Ngariam and Kumi Counties is rising, and the people will soon decide whose vision aligns best with their aspirations.
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