Margret Opol, one of the expected aspirants for the Serere District Woman Member of Parliament seat, has spoken out about her decision not to seek nomination for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries ahead of the 2025 election cycle.
Opol, who had been widely seen as a potential strong contender, says she assessed the political environment and decided the field was “too congested” for her to mount an effective campaign this year.
Instead, she has opted to focus her efforts on preparing for the 2026 general election.
“I took time to evaluate the situation carefully,” Opol told Christians on Saturday in Kamod Catholic Parish.
“I found the field this time to be crowded, with many contenders. I felt that joining the race now would split support unnecessarily and weaken our chances of unity later. I have therefore chosen to step back and focus on building for 2026.”
The NRM primaries in Serere District have attracted three prominent aspirants vying for the party’s flag bearer position for Woman MP: the incumbent State Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa; Esther Lucy Acom; and Florence Iyogil.
These three candidates were successfully nominated and will face off in what is expected to be a heated primary contest.
The winner will go on to represent NRM in the 2026 general election, where they will face opponents from other political parties.
Opol’s withdrawal from the primaries was noted with surprise by some of her supporters, who had anticipated she would provide an alternative voice in the race.
However, she insisted her move was strategic and aimed at long-term political success.
“It is not about fear or lack of capacity,” she said. “It is about timing and strategy. I want to take time to consolidate my structures on the ground and build stronger networks with voters, so I can offer them a well-prepared and realistic choice in 2026.”
Observers say the race remains wide open, with Minister Adoa expected to leverage her incumbency and government connections, while Acom and Iyogil have also mounted energetic campaigns focused on community outreach and promises of fresh leadership.
Local NRM leaders have urged all aspirants and their supporters to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns in the primaries to preserve party unity.
District NRM chairperson Olobo has emphasized that whoever emerges as the party flag bearer will need the support of all members to secure victory against opposition candidates in the general election.
Meanwhile, Opol said she would remain engaged in community initiatives even as she prepares for the next election cycle.
She urged her supporters to remain calm and avoid unnecessary conflicts with rival camps.
“I am not going away. I will continue working with the people of Serere,” Opol added.
“I believe leadership is not just about elections but about service. I will continue to serve in other ways while I prepare for 2026.”
The NRM primary elections in Serere District are scheduled for mid-July, with the party’s electoral commission promising a free, fair, and transparent process.
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