By Alele Ronald Ongwech
The race for the Northern Region Vice Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is intensifying as Alebtong’s Ojede Ziegler Bobson steps up to challenge the reigning Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua.
With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, political dynamics among key figures from the Lango, Acholi, and West Nile sub-regions are becoming increasingly stratified.
Ojede, a prominent figure in the region and a former executive director of YMYi Uganda, officially announced his candidacy on Monday evening in Lira City.
He criticized current leaders who hold multiple significant government positions, arguing their ambitions hinder the opportunities for younger candidates to emerge within National Resistance Movement (NRM) .
“Leaders should not be accumulating several top roles,” Ojede declared, emphasizing the necessity for a shift in political representation that allows for broader participation within the party’s ranks.
Ojede’s announcement follows closely behind that of Obua, the well-known Ajuri County MP, who has also declared his intention to run for the Northern Region Vice Chairperson position.
Ojede’s challenge to Obua’s candidacy suggests a potential clash between two strong personalities, each with their own vision for the party’s future.
Ojede brings a wealth of experience to his campaign, owning a background in education, development, and social sciences, which he believes will contribute positively to the party’s growth and outreach efforts.
He has expressed a commitment to fostering unity and improving the welfare of NRM structures from the grassroots to the national level.
As both candidates ramp up their campaigns, the race is expected to attract considerable attention, as the NRM’s internal elections have historically shaped the political landscape in Uganda.
The late Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah L’Okori, who previously held the position, has left behind a significant legacy and standard to uphold, which both Ojede and Obua now seek to define for this new era.
With challenges ahead and multiple contenders emerging for this pivotal role, the competitive atmosphere within the NRM is set to heighten in the lead-up to the elections.
