At least 17 parliamentary aspirants from across the Teso Sub-region have been duly nominated to contest in the 2026 general elections under the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, Teso News Network can confirm.
The successful nominations mark a major step forward for the opposition party, which continues to consolidate its grassroots structures in Eastern Uganda ahead of next year’s general polls.
The nominations, conducted by the Electoral Commission between October 22–23, attracted new faces, seasoned politicians, and youth leaders from various districts within Teso.
According to NUP regional mobilizers, the impressive number of candidates demonstrates growing confidence in the party’s leadership and its message of people-centered governance, justice, and accountability.
List of Duly Nominated Candidates
1. Elupe Meshulam – Soroti County
2. Akiso Benjamin – Toroma County
3. Esogu Nelson – Orungo County
4. Amayo Iryn Anyobu – Woman MP, Kaberamaido District
5. Ariong Moses – Amuria County
6. Ocen Julius – Kapelebyong County
7. Aguro – Woman MP, Amuria District
8. Rhoda Oyuruka – Woman MP, Ngora District
9. Ongelech Charles – Kachumbala County
10. Olinga Daniel – Pingire County
11. Ochailap Michael – Ngariam County
12. Iculet Sandra – Woman MP, Serere District
13. Elayu Emmanuel – Soroti City West Division
14. Enyutu Sam – Kasilo County
15. Osuguru Mohamed Moses – Ngora County
16. Abachu Simon – Kapir County
17. Akabwai James – Kanyumu County
The list covers all 11 districts of Teso, signaling what insiders describe as “a coordinated comeback strategy” by the NUP to make its presence felt beyond the traditional urban strongholds of central and western Uganda.
NUP’s rise in Teso has been steady since 2021, when the party first introduced candidates in several constituencies. Although it did not secure a parliamentary seat in the subregion in the last election, analysts note that its popularity, particularly among youth and first-time voters, has since grown significantly.
Local observers attribute the surge to the party’s deliberate grassroots mobilization, civic education drives, and the growing disenchantment among youth over unemployment and unfulfilled government pledges.
George William Okoit one of NUP regional coordinators in a recent address at NUP Soroti offices said, the party’s leadership in the sub-region has invested heavily in community engagement and mobilization at the parish level.
“What we are witnessing is not accidental. The NUP secretariat has been consistent in organizing structures, training agents, and identifying credible flag bearers. The 17 candidates symbolize the maturity and readiness of the party to compete strongly in Teso,” he said.
With NUP now fielding candidates in nearly every Teso constituency, political analysts predict a more competitive race.
Patrick Etengu, a political analyst based in Soroti, said the nominations reflect a shift in voter perception.
“The emergence of NUP in Teso is reshaping the political conversation. While the NRM remains dominant, the presence of credible opposition candidates means voters will have more choices and, ultimately, a more vibrant democracy,” he explained.
As the campaign season officially draws near, the nominated NUP candidates are expected to embark on coordinated mobilization across the region, selling the party’s message of change, transparency, and inclusive governance.
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