The political landscape in Soroti District has been stirred into action as two prominent figures, Bob Owiny and Stephen Ejoku, officially picked nomination forms to contest for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag for the hotly contested position of Local Council V (LCV) Chairperson.
This sets the stage for a high-stakes political duel in the NRM primaries, as the ruling party readies itself for the 2026 general elections.
With both aspirants already drawing large grassroots support and attention, the contest is expected to be one of the most competitive and closely watched races in the district.
Bob Owiny, known for his charismatic leadership style and youthful energy, enters the race as a rising political force in the region.
With a background in community mobilization and a track record of youth empowerment initiatives, Owiny is appealing to a wide base of younger voters and progressive members of the NRM.
Speaking during Soroti PAG Fundraising Run over the weekend, Owiny said he was responding to the overwhelming call from the people to offer transformative leadership.
“The time has come for a new generation of leadership. Our people deserve inclusive development, better service delivery, and a leader who listens to them. I am ready to serve and bring real change,” Owiny said amid cheers.
On the other side of the political ring stands Stephen Ejoku, a seasoned mobilizer and community leader, popularly referred to by supporters as “the people’s candidate.” has become a rallying call across sub-counties where he has built a reputation for accessibility, grassroots consultations, and championing local priorities.
Ejoku, who has served in various leadership roles within the NRM and governance structures, declared his intent to contest the NRM LCV flag with a pledge to “deepen service delivery and uphold the values of the party.”
“I believe in leadership that puts people first. Our communities need roads, health services, agricultural support, and job opportunities. I have walked with the people, and I understand their needs,” Ejoku said shortly after collecting his nomination forms. “This is not about positions, it is about responsibility.”
Political observers see the Owiny–Ejoku contest as emblematic of a broader ideological tension within the NRM, between young, reform-minded aspirants and experienced grassroots mobilizers rooted in community dynamics.
While both men are loyal to the party, their styles and strategies differ significantly.
“Owiny represents a fresh chapter, dynamic, energetic, and focused on modern approaches to governance,” said local political analyst Moses Okurut. “Ejoku, on the other hand, is deeply entrenched in the community fabric and has an emotional connection with voters. The NRM is blessed to have two strong contenders, but it will come down to message, mobilization, and unity.”
The NRM’s primary elections are expected to be held in July, and both camps have already begun district-wide consultations, forming campaign teams and building momentum ahead of the official campaigns.
NRM district leaders have welcomed the strong interest in the LCV position as a sign of the party’s vibrancy and internal democracy.
The party’s electoral commission has cautioned aspirants to maintain discipline and avoid violence or divisive rhetoric.
Already, youth groups, women’s associations, and local opinion leaders are aligning themselves with various camps, with some calling for issue-based campaigns and public debates between aspirants.
“We want to hear their plans clearly, not just slogans,” said Margaret Akello, a trader in Arapai Sub-county.
“We have suffered enough with poor roads and lack of health services. Let them tell us how they will solve our problems.”
The LCV seat is one of the most influential positions in local government, responsible for spearheading district development programs, coordinating central government services, and overseeing resource allocation.
The winner of the NRM primaries is widely expected to have a strong edge in the 2026 general election given the party’s dominance in the district.
About Author
