The race for the Katakwi District LCV seat is shaping up to be one of the most competitive political contests in the region, as two strong challengers, former Soroti Municipality Mayor Alfred Aruo and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Martin Odaka Omedo, have declared their bids to unseat the incumbent, Geoffrey Omollo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Aruo, who is running under the NRM ticket, officially launched his campaign in Aparisa, Katakwi sub-county, where he outlined his vision for the district’s development.
He emphasized the need to improve key sectors such as education, road infrastructure, and healthcare.
“My primary focus is on enhancing service delivery, particularly in the areas of education, roads, and healthcare,” Aruo told our reporter.
A seasoned politician with experience in urban governance, Aruo believes his track record as the mayor of Soroti gives him an edge in managing Katakwi’s affairs at the district level.
He urged the people of Katakwi to rally behind him in the upcoming NRM primaries to secure his candidacy for the general elections.
“I am committed to improving the road network, education, and health sectors in the district. Katakwi needs strong leadership that prioritizes service delivery,” he reiterated.
Aruo is not the only challenger seeking to unseat Omollo.
Martin Odaka Omedo, a two-time parliamentary candidate for Toroma County on the FDC ticket, has also entered the race.
A professional secondary school teacher, Odaka has placed education at the center of his campaign, pledging to address the district’s teacher shortage and improve learning conditions.
“Education is the foundation of development. We need to invest in recruiting more teachers and improving school facilities to give our children the best possible future,” Odaka stated.
Odaka’s campaign has gained traction among educators and parents, who have long decried the lack of adequate teaching staff and resources in some schools.
His experience in the education sector gives him credibility as a candidate who understands the challenges faced by teachers and students alike.
As the challengers build momentum, incumbent LCV chairperson Geoffrey Omollo has defended his administration’s achievements, particularly in the education sector.
He dismissed claims that Katakwi is struggling with education service delivery, instead pointing to the district’s impressive performance in primary education.
“Katakwi has made significant progress in education. Our district is among the top in passing learners in UPE schools within the Teso sub-region. This success is due to the hard work of teachers and students in government schools,” Omollo asserted.
Omollo, who has served as LCV chairperson since 2021, has campaigned on a platform of continuity, arguing that his administration has laid a strong foundation that should not be disrupted.
He has highlighted his role in improving road infrastructure, promoting agricultural development, and advocating for better healthcare services.
With Aruo and Omollo both vying for the NRM ticket, the party primaries will be crucial in determining who carries the ruling party’s flag into the general elections.
If Aruo defeats Omollo in the primaries, he will still have to contend with Odaka, who is running on the FDC ticket.
Political analysts suggest that the race will largely be determined by three key factors: the NRM primaries, voter sentiments on service delivery, and the strength of opposition mobilization in Katakwi.
According to Simon Seno, a renowned political analyst in Katakwi District, and a local businessman, the entry of new candidates into the political arena is a normal phenomenon in a democratic state like Uganda.
As Seno noted in a democratic setup, everyone is free to participate in the electoral process, provided they meet the requisite academic qualifications.
Seno further emphasized that the voters of Katakwi will ultimately decide based on the candidates’ manifestos, mobilization skills, and financial standing, acknowledging that politics in Uganda has become increasingly commercialized.
Seno also observed that the arrival of Odaka Martin and Aruo Martin may not pose a significant threat to Hon.
Omolo Geoffrey’s tenure, given his impressive track record of progress in various sectors within the district.
Omolo’s leadership has been distinguished by his unwavering commitment to combating corruption and his exceptional ability to collaborate with fellow leaders, eschewing enmity and promoting harmony.
“Aruo’s experience as a mayor gives him political capital, but he will have to convince NRM structures that he is a better candidate than Omollo. If he wins the NRM ticket, it could make things more difficult for Odaka, who will be running against the ruling party’s machinery,” said another political analyst.
“However, Odaka’s appeal among teachers and the education sector could give him an edge, especially if opposition parties unite behind his candidacy,” he added.
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