Two former leaders of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have emerged as the new chairpersons of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Soroti City and Soroti District, signaling a potential realignment of political loyalties and party strength in the Teso sub-region.
Little known within the NRM’s inner ranks but once a visible face in the opposition FDC, John Enomu was on Friday declared the new NRM Chairman for Soroti City after defeating the incumbent, Willy Bisanga, by a wide margin.
Enomu garnered 48 votes, while Bisanga managed only 15 votes.
The other two contenders in the race, Latiff Abdul and Egunyu Anthony, withdrew prior to the vote.
The election, held at Teso College Aloet East Feild under tight security, was supervised by Soroti City NRM Registrar Justine Okello, who declared Enomu the winner in the presence of party officials, security personnel, and jubilant supporters.
“This is a new day for Soroti City NRM,” Enomu told reporters shortly after his victory. “I bring experience, commitment, and a fresh perspective to reenergize our structures and reconnect with the grassroots.”
Observers see Enomu’s election as a remarkable comeback and a sign of the NRM’s expanding political tent in the region.
Though his past allegiance to the opposition raised eyebrows, his strong base among local leaders and strategic campaigning helped him win the confidence of the party delegates.
Meanwhile, in the Soroti District elections held at Soroti Core Primary Teachers College, Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko Okworo, the Soroti City East Member of Parliament who served as FDC MP for Soroti Municipality between 2016-2021, was overwhelmingly elected as the new NRM District Chairperson.
He officially crossed to NRM in 2022 during the heated Soroti City East By elections where he emerged victorious against Moses Okia Attan.
Ariko secured 269 votes, while his rivals Moses Eriau and Justine Ooja failed to attract a single vote, underscoring the depth of Ariko’s grassroots influence and support within the party.
The election came after outgoing chairperson Charles Elasu unexpectedly withdrew from the race just a day before the vote.
Ariko’s win has been described as a decisive mandate from the party’s delegates, with many crediting his track record of development work, especially in Gweri County where he has pushed for infrastructure improvement, education access, and agricultural innovation.
“This is not just my victory; it is a victory for all those who believe in a stronger, more united NRM,” Ariko said in his acceptance speech.
“We will work as a team to deepen our support base and prepare effectively for the 2026 general elections.”
Known for his inclusive leadership and strategic approach, Ariko has often emphasized the need to transform Gweri into a model county within Teso.
His elevation to district chairperson is expected to consolidate his influence both within the party and in local government affairs.
The twin victories of Enomu and Ariko, both of whom were once associated with the opposition, reflect a broader trend of political repositioning within the NRM.
While Ariko’s shift to the NRM occurred earlier and has been cemented through his work in Parliament, Enomu’s rise is more recent and unexpected.
Party insiders believe that the NRM’s internal elections have become a critical barometer for broader political dynamics in Teso, especially ahead of the 2026 elections.
Analysts point to the recent results as an indication of the NRM’s increasing ability to attract and empower former opposition leaders, turning them into assets rather than adversaries.
The voting process in both city and district was conducted under heavy security to ensure order and transparency.
Soroti NRM Registrar James Egaru praised the peaceful conduct of the delegates, noting that the election demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
Supporters of the newly elected chairpersons expressed optimism about the party’s future.
“With Ariko in charge, the sun is rising higher over Teso,” one supporter declared, echoing a popular campaign slogan.
Another voter at the Soroti City said Enomu’s win symbolized hope for greater inclusion.
“He has the energy, and now he has the mandate. This is what the NRM needs, leaders who understand the people and are ready to work,” she said.
As the dust settles on the NRM’s internal polls in Soroti, both Enomu and Ariko face the task of uniting party structures and mobilizing for the battles ahead. Their victories mark not only personal triumphs but also signal a new chapter in the political evolution of the Teso region.
Sources; Teso Vibes/Aribabai Updates
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