A fierce political showdown is brewing in Kasilo County, Serere District, as Peter Carlos Ebiau, nephew to long-serving legislator Hon. Elijah Okupa, has vowed to “liberate Kasilo” from what he calls his uncle’s prolonged stay in Parliament.
Ebiau, who was recently nominated to contest for the Kasilo County seat under the Democratic Front (DF) party in the 2026 general elections, says the people deserve a new chapter after 25 years of one-man leadership.
“I want to thank God that I’ve been duly nominated to participate in the 2026 elections,” Ebiau declared shortly after nomination. “It has not been an easy process amid threats and intimidation, but I thank God that the process has been accomplished. We are assuring the people of Kasilo that this year, we shall liberate you.”
Hon. Elijah Okupa, a seasoned legislator who first entered Parliament in 2001, is seeking re-election for yet another five-year term, extending what would be a 30-year political career.
But for Ebiau, 2026 marks a turning point for Kasilo’s politics, a generational handover he believes is long overdue.
Speaking to media, Ebiau criticized the stagnation he believes has gripped Kasilo under his uncle’s lengthy leadership.
“I come from a constituency that has been led by one person for 25 years. There has been a huge gap, especially in education,” he said. “I want to ensure Kasilo returns to the national map like it used to be 25 years ago.”
He lamented the declining quality of education, citing that the last time a government school in Kasilo produced first-grade pupils was in 1996.
“That’s unacceptable,” he added. “Even before becoming a Member of Parliament, I’ve personally invested in schools like Adwenyi, Adukut and Apapai Primary School to improve the learning environment. When I’m given the mantle to lead, I’ll make sure Kasilo’s education system is revived.”
Ebiau’s manifesto places strong emphasis on agriculture and grassroots economic empowerment.
He believes that if managed properly, Kasilo’s fertile land and fishing resources can transform livelihoods and create jobs.
“When chicken are well taken care of, it means people are empowered because chicken reproduce very fast,” he explained. “So, in terms of agriculture, I’m going to concentrate on poultry farming. And in the fishing industry, because Kasilo purely depends on fishing, I’m going to revamp and modernize it.”
Ebiau said he has already initiated discussions with key government ministries about supporting aquaculture and fish farming initiatives in the region.
“Our people are very energetic,” he said. “They can dig their own fish ponds. As leaders, our job should be to lobby for hatcheries and training programs so that young people can engage in fish farming instead of relying entirely on the lakes.”
He also pledged to support farmers with poultry hatcheries, improved fish breeds, and agricultural training, noting that such initiatives will put money directly into people’s pockets.
“Agriculture must stop being subsistence, it must become business,” he stated.
Ebiau underscored the importance of empowering marginalized groups, saying that sustainable community development must include the youth, women, and elderly.
“I have been empowering youth and women groups already,” he said. “I promise the people of Kasilo that I’ll continue supporting these initiatives. We must build youth cooperatives, women enterprises, and elderly support programs to ensure no one is left behind.”
He explained that most of Kasilo’s young people are hardworking but lack capital and mentorship.
“Once we train them and give them access to resources, we’ll see transformation at the household level,” Ebiau emphasized.
Peter Carlos Ebiau also said environmental conservation will be a cornerstone of his leadership.
“I love the environment. I’ve planted over 3,000 trees across Kasilo, in churches, schools, and homes,” he shared. “If I’m given a mandate, I’ll lobby for resources to procure more trees for our people.”
He further revealed a detailed plan to promote tree planting both for conservation and food security.
“In my manifesto, every home must have at least five Fene (jackfruit) trees,” he said. “This will help fight hunger and improve the environment.”
Ebiau also plans to introduce more eucalyptus and fruit tree planting drives across the constituency, emphasizing that tree planting is both an environmental and economic strategy.
“When you plant a tree, you’re creating value for the future, whether for shade, fruits, or timber,” he said.
Ebiau pledged to prioritize roads, schools, and health centers, which he said have deteriorated due to years of neglect.
“When you move around Kasilo today, you see bad roads, under-equipped schools, and struggling health facilities. These must be fixed,” he said. “I’ll ensure Kasilo receives its fair share of national development programs.”
He promised to lobby for better road networks to ease the transportation of agricultural produce and to work closely with the central government to deliver improved social services.
The contest between Hon. Elijah Okupa and his nephew, Peter Carlos Ebiau, has sparked widespread debate across Teso. While some residents view it as a family feud, others see it as a generational transition in Kasilo’s leadership.
Supporters of Ebiau argue that after 25 years, Okupa’s time in Parliament has run its course.
“We respect him for his contribution, but Kasilo needs fresh blood,” said Edmond Odeke. “Ebiau represents the voice of the new generation.”
Ebiau, however, insists that his bid is not personal but a call for service.
“I respect my uncle, but leadership is not a lifetime career,” he stated. “Leadership must evolve to meet the changing needs of the people. The time for liberation and fresh ideas is now.”
He added that his campaign would remain issue-based and focused on development.
“My message to the people of Kasilo is simple: I’m here to work with you, for you, and for the future of our children,” he said.
“Kasilo has waited long enough,” Ebiau concluded during his speech. “The time for liberation, development, and empowerment is now. Together, we can rebuild our constituency and bring back its lost glory.”
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