The open declaration by Mr. Julius Okurut to contest as an independent candidate, though NRM-leaning, has re-energized the politics of Pallisa County ahead of 2026.
Mr. Okurut, who recently petitioned the NRM Electoral Tribunal seeking verification of declaration forms (DRs) that he claimed were inconsistent with voter registers in some villages, had his plea overturned.
The tribunal upheld the victory of Mr. Ibrahim Aisu, whom Pallisa District NRM Returning Officer Mr. Sam Emurwon declared as the winner. Despite this setback, Okurut insists that his political battle is only halfway done.
A seasoned Community Development Officer, Okurut says he understands the poverty dynamics in Pallisa and is determined to empower communities economically.
“President Museveni has consistently emphasized the money economy as a way of moving people out of subsistence farming. Our people no longer need handouts of basic items; they need empowerment so that they can afford what they want,” he said.
Okurut stressed that through proper enterprise selection, guidance in return projection, what President Museveni refers to as kibalo, and group organization, communities can prosper.
He believes this will enable locals to pool resources for social needs such as tents, chairs, education, and healthcare, instead of depending on politicians.
“Many of our politicians do not want people to rise out of poverty because they want to be seen as providers. My mission is to change this. I want to return to Kampala knowing that Pallisa communities are empowered, not burdened by constant requests for help,” he noted.
Local residents have welcomed Okurut’s decision, arguing that it strengthens NRM’s chances in Pallisa.
Mr. Charles Otwao, a supporter, said Okurut was openly rigged out of the primaries and withdrawing from the race would have harmed President Museveni’s vote tally.
“Going to the tribunal was valueless because they acted like VAR referees who ignore a genuine foul even after several replays,” Otwao remarked.
He added that the race is now more competitive, with the key contenders being Okurut (Independent), Aisu (NRM), and Enock Okoler Opio Lo’Amanu of the Democratic Party (DP).
During a closed-door meeting chaired by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Magid Dhikusooka, Okurut and Aisu were urged to rally behind President Museveni’s candidacy despite their differences.
However, Okurut declined to step aside for Aisu, warning that doing so would only strengthen the DP candidate.
Mr. Dhikusooka encouraged both men to peacefully campaign for their seats but to ensure that Museveni remains their joint flagbearer at the presidential level.
“I am glad you have all agreed to mobilize for President Museveni. However, I call upon you to maintain a peaceful campaign,” the RDC stated.
Some residents believe Okurut’s entry into the race will stabilize NRM support, which had been threatened by defections to the DP.
Ms. Asanasi Imeesa noted that supporters of Mr. George Patrice Kadimba and Mr. Okurut were initially shifting to Okoler (DP) due to dissatisfaction with how the primaries were conducted. She believes Okurut’s candidature has since restored hope among them.
Ms. Stella Kanyango, another NRM supporter, admitted that some frustrated party members had even considered voting only for the Woman MP seat and skipping presidential and parliamentary ballots altogether.
“Let me be honest: some of us had lost interest in the NRM parliamentary race because the party refused to resolve internal disputes. But with Okurut standing, at least there is renewed energy,” Kanyango confessed.
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