The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has officially cleared Francis Edigu Otuny to contest for the party flag bearer position for Dakabela County in the upcoming 2026 parliamentary elections.
The announcement sets the stage for a highly anticipated contest featuring four strong aspirants vying for the NRM party’s endorsement in this critical constituency in Soroti District.
Mr. Edigu will now face off with three other contenders: Peter Edeku Edopu, Edoru Simon, and Cosmas Elotu.
Francis Edigu Otuny, born to the late Elaju Otuny Oboi and Apiso Mary Florence of the Irarak Ibumai clan, hails from Amotot Village, Dakabela Parish in Arapai Sub-county.
He is the eldest of seven siblings and proudly represents the values of family, community, and faith.
A devout Roman Catholic, Edigu is married to Mrs. Lucy Agita Edigu, with whom he shares a family of six children, two daughters and four sons.
Edigu’s academic background is robust, reflecting his commitment to personal growth and learning.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Logistics Management from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).
Additionally, he possesses certificates in Human Resource Management, Mature Age Entry, and Mechanical Engineering from ISKOM St. Pius Vocational Training Institute. His foundational education includes Odudui Primary School and Mbale Secondary School, where he sat for his UCE.
Edigu’s leadership experience spans both secular and religious platforms.
At the university level, he served as Speaker of the Faculty of Management Studies at IUIU. His service in the Church has been equally exemplary.
He was the Chairman of St. Gabriel Choir under the Immaculate Conception of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Chairman of St. Denis Christian Community in Wabigalo, Nsambya Parish (Kampala Archdiocese), and Secretary General and Coordinator of the Centenary Choirs in the same parish.
Professionally, Edigu has worked in both the private sector and with NGOs.
He served as a Production Supervisor at Crestanks Limited, Machine Operator and Supervisor at Tororo Cement Industry, and a Driver for Silver Fleet Tours and Travel, which handled operations for PostBank Uganda, among others.
Edigu enters the NRM flag bearer race with a vision anchored on five key pillars: representation, unity of purpose, inclusive and stakeholder-driven leadership, learning and growth, and servant leadership.
His character is defined by decisiveness, accountability, empowerment, and clear communication, which he promises to bring to the forefront of his campaign and eventual tenure in Parliament.
As a long-time NRM cadre and intrapreneur, Edigu believes he is the right candidate to restore the party’s image in Dakabela, Soroti, and the wider Teso region.
“The NRM’s founding principles; Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy, are not just slogans.
They are a way of life, and it’s time they were made real for the people of Dakabela,” he said during a recent engagement with local leaders.
If elected as Member of Parliament, Edigu promises to be a conduit between the people and government programs, ensuring improved service delivery, women empowerment, talent identification and development in sports, and addressing education and youth unemployment.
He also pledges to support the small business community, helping them access affordable credit and financial services to grow household incomes and promote grassroots development.
“I believe in an inclusive approach to leadership. Every stakeholder matters, from the farmer in Amotot village to the student in Arapai. This campaign is about giving Dakabela a fresh start and real hope,” he emphasized.
His message is clear: “Together, we can make Dakabela a model constituency where leadership is service, not privilege.”
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