The political landscape in Ngariam County, Katakwi District, is beginning to heat up ahead of the 2026 general elections as Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) stalwart Andrew Omiat officially declared his intention to challenge incumbent Member of Parliament and State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang.
Omiat made the announcement on Wednesday during the launch of the Democratic Forces Party (DFP) regional offices in Soroti City, an event that drew political activists, party leaders, and aspiring opposition candidates from across Teso Sub-region.
Omiat said he had long served and vied for office in Toroma County but, after wide consultations with constituents and elders, he made the strategic decision to shift his political battleground to Ngariam.
“I have always believed in servant leadership and the politics of ideology, not personality. After engaging with the people of Ngariam, I felt their call. They told me, ‘We need a voice, not a title,’ and that’s why I’m answering their call,” said Omiat, drawing applause from supporters.
Andrew Omiat’s entry into the Ngariam race has sent ripples through the political waters of Katakwi District, long considered a stronghold of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Minister Peter Ogwang, who has served in Parliament since 2011 and currently holds the Sports docket, is seen by many as a formidable force with deep-rooted connections and a strong support base.
But Omiat believes that time has come for a change.
“For years, Ngariam has not seen tangible transformation. While our MP has held powerful positions, the schools are still struggling, our roads are in poor shape, and youth unemployment remains a crisis,” Omiat charged.
“The time for slogans is over. The people of Ngariam want real representation, not rhetoric.”
He accused the incumbent of prioritizing national-level engagements at the expense of local development, alleging that key service delivery gaps in health, water, and education have persisted despite repeated pledges.
Andrew Omiat has previously contested for the Toroma County MP seat under the UPC ticket, though unsuccessfully.
Known for his firm grassroots mobilization and pro-people rhetoric, he has maintained strong connections in the wider Katakwi area, including Ngariam.
Omiat said his decision to relocate his political ambitions was not taken lightly and was backed by months of dialogue with local opinion leaders, youth groups, and women’s associations in Ngariam.
“I didn’t just wake up and make this decision. This was about listening. When the people of Ngariam approached me and said they needed a fresh start, I felt morally obliged to take on the challenge,” he added.
His declaration comes at a time when opposition parties in Uganda are seeking to present a united front to weaken the NRM’s grip in several traditional bastions, including Teso Sub-region.
UPC regional leaders in attendance welcomed Omiat’s bold move, saying it signals a new era of active and strategic participation in local politics.
“As UPC, we are committed to revitalizing our structures and fielding candidates who understand the needs of the people. Omiat is a tested mobilizer who believes in inclusive development,” said UPC’s Eastern Region Coordinator, Patrick Edoku.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Forces Party officials underlined the importance of cooperation among opposition actors.
“Our parties may differ in names, but we are united in our struggle to bring good governance and end the politics of patronage,” said DF Coordinator Matthias Mpuuga.
About Author
