Former Information Minister at Iteso Cultural Union and senior NRM mobilizer, Constantine Okwii, has emerged victorious in the highly contested National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries for Kibale County in Pallisa District, defeating incumbent Member of Parliament Richard Oseku.
According to official results announced on Thursday night by the NRM Electoral Commission in Pallisa, Okwii garnered 10,322 votes, outpacing Oseku who polled 5,139 votes, while the third candidate Beatrice Atukei trailed with only 95 votes.
The outcome marks a significant political comeback for Okwii, who once served in the Internal Affairs docket under the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) administration before crossing to the NRM.
His triumph signals a shift in the political landscape of Kibale County, as voters opted for change in the party’s representation ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In a statement issued shortly after being declared the winner, Okwii expressed deep gratitude to his supporters and various stakeholders who contributed to his victory.
“Dear all, we triumphed in the NRM party primaries for flag bearer MP Kibale County, Pallisa,” Okwii wrote.
“Thank you to God for the unprecedented lift of the lowest. Thank you to the people of Kibale for the foresight, to the district security team, to the NRM electoral commission, and to all those that sacrificed in one way or another to make this happen.”
Okwii’s campaign has been characterized by strong grassroots mobilization, engagement with youth and women groups, and appeals for unity among party members.
Political observers say his extensive political experience and ability to reconnect with voters after years out of frontline politics played a key role in his resurgence.
In a conciliatory gesture, Okwii praised his competitors, MP Oseku and Atukei, for their dedication to the NRM cause and appealed for unity going forward.
“This has been an in-house affair of the mighty NRM party. I thank my gallant brother Hon. Oseku Richard and my gallant sister Hon. Atukei Beatrice for their commitment to strengthening the NRM. I appeal to the two to synergize with me for the cohesion of the party,” Okwii said.
He also extended an olive branch to the supporters of his opponents, acknowledging the competitive nature of the primaries.
“Where I offended them or their supporters during the solicitation period, I am truly remorseful. I reach out to them to cause internal reconciliation of the different bands of supporters as we pursue the core ideals of NRM in service to the people,” he added.
Meanwhile, supporters of Okwii took to the streets of Pallisa Town and various trading centres across Kibale County in celebration, waving NRM flags, chanting victory songs, and praising Okwii’s leadership.
Hon. Oseku, who has represented Kibale County since 2021, is yet to officially comment on the outcome.
However, sources close to his camp indicated that he would convene a meeting with his team to assess the way forward.
With the NRM primaries concluded, attention now shifts to the general elections, where Okwii is expected to face off with candidates from opposition parties and independents.
Political analysts believe his strong showing in the primaries places him in a commanding position, but warn that unity within the NRM will be crucial to securing the seat in 2026.
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