The race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag bearer in the hotly contested Ngariam County constituency in Katakwi District has officially taken shape with the nomination of Daniel Mulalu.
Mulalu joins Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang and former presidential aide Augustine Otuko as contenders for the ruling party’s ticket ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Mulalu’s nomination was formally confirmed on Thursday by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairman, Dr. Tanga Odoi, at the NRM party headquarters in Kampala.
The exercise marks a crucial milestone in the party’s internal democratic processes as preparations for the 2026 elections intensify across the country.
In a brief but spirited statement after receiving his nomination certificate, Mulalu expressed gratitude to God and signaled readiness for the campaign trail.
“Finally, I have been duly nominated. To God be the glory. Let’s meet on the ground,” Mulalu declared, beaming with confidence.
Mulalu’s entry into the race sets up a high-stakes political showdown in Ngariam, with Minister Peter Ogwang seeking re-election on the strength of his national profile and development credentials, while Augustine Otuko aims to make a political comeback by capitalizing on grassroots networks and youth support.
The trio now embarks on a vigorous campaign period as they each attempt to convince NRM delegates and voters in Ngariam that they are the most suitable candidate to represent the party in the 2026 parliamentary polls.
The NRM primaries are expected to draw significant attention in Teso sub-region given the political weight of the aspirants.
NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi applauded all aspirants and their supporters for conducting themselves with decorum during the nomination process, which has been rolled out across various parts of the country this week.
“I want to thank all the NRM people for showing interest in their party in a very organized manner. This level of interest in the activities of the party should be applauded,” Dr. Odoi remarked while addressing the press.
He emphasized that the NRM remains committed to transparency, discipline, and unity throughout the electoral process.
Odoi urged aspirants to run clean and peaceful campaigns, and called on supporters to focus on issue-based politics rather than personal attacks.
Daniel Mulalu, whose political momentum has grown steadily over recent months, is widely known in Katakwi for his philanthropic work and mobilization within NRM structures.
His campaign team has already been active in Ngariam, holding consultative meetings and engaging with elders, youth, and women’s groups.
Political analysts in the Teso sub-region believe the NRM primary in Ngariam will serve as a litmus test for the party’s internal cohesion and popularity in the region.
Minister Peter Ogwang, a vocal defender of President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, is expected to leverage his national influence and developmental record in areas such as road infrastructure, sports funding, and education.
On the other hand, Augustine Otuko, who previously served in State House, is banking on his experience in public administration and connections with the political establishment to win back the hearts of voters.
With Mulalu now officially in the race, the dynamics in Ngariam are expected to shift further.
Many observers view him as a formidable challenger capable of appealing to both the youth and traditional leadership, especially amid growing calls for generational change in local politics.
The NRM primary elections are expected to take place later this year, and all eyes will be on Ngariam to see who emerges as the party’s standard bearer in one of Teso’s most competitive constituencies.
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