Politics
730 individuals nominated for LC1 positions in Lira city
In Lira city, since the first day the EC opened nominations, several candidates have been seen holding large processions in town, playing loud campaign songs, hosting large numbers of people and cooking for them, something that has increased community interest in the elections.
Rafael Ocen Achonga, son of former Lira West Division Mayor Mike Ogwal Achonga being escorted by his supporters on July 15th after securing nomination as candidate for LC1 Chairperson of Jinja Camp ‘A’ in Lira City. (Credit: Joseph Ekol)
By: Joseph Ekol, Journalist @New Vision
LIRA - A total of 730 individuals have been nominated to contest for Local Council LC1 positions in 238 villages of Lira city in elections scheduled for July 28, 2026.
The Lira city Electoral Commission (EC) returning officer, James Aggrey Ipeto, revealed that 258 candidates were nominated in Lira City West Division, while 472 were nominated in Lira City East Division, bringing the total number of candidates seeking the village leadership positions to 730.
According to Ipeto, a total of 1,417 individuals have also been nominated for the Women Council elections slated for July 23.
He said 547 women were nominated in Lira City West Division, while 942 were nominated in Lira City East Division during a four-day exercise that was conducted and peacefully concluded at both division headquarters.
The returning officer said all 238 villages have been gazetted and will participate in the Local Council elections, as the EC received representation from all villages.
He called upon all candidates to remain peaceful and adhere to electoral guidelines to avoid the nullification of their nominations.
“I have realised some of the candidates have started moving for rallies with motor vehicles, yet this is prohibited because they are supposed to have their rallies in their respective villages, not disorganising other businesses,” Ipeto decried.
The returning officer said all 238 villages have been gazetted and will participate in the Local Council elections, as the EC received representation from all villages.
He called upon all candidates to remain peaceful and adhere to electoral guidelines to avoid the nullification of their nominations.
“I have realised some of the candidates have started moving for rallies with motor vehicles, yet this is prohibited because they are supposed to have their rallies in their respective villages, not disorganising other businesses,” Ipeto decried.
In Lira city, since the first day the EC opened nominations, several candidates have been seen holding large processions in town, playing loud campaign songs, hosting large numbers of people and cooking for them, something that has increased community interest in the elections.
Most of the cells/villages in both divisions have at least five to seven individuals vying for the LC1 positions, with NRM and UPC emerging as the main contenders.
Many division councillors and individuals who contested and lost in the recently concluded upper local government elections are among those nominated for the village positions.
Among the notable individuals nominated to contest for LC1 positions in different villages in the city are Felix Kisembo, who retired from Lira District Local Government as a senior treasurer, and Rafael Ocen Achonga, the son of the late Mike Ogwal Achonga, former mayor of Lira City West Division, who is currently investing significant financial resources in his campaigns.
Others include David Okede, popularly known as Lango One, and Pule Quinto, who are prominent businessmen in the city.
Most of the cells/villages in both divisions have at least five to seven individuals vying for the LC1 positions, with NRM and UPC emerging as the main contenders.
Many division councillors and individuals who contested and lost in the recently concluded upper local government elections are among those nominated for the village positions.
Among the notable individuals nominated to contest for LC1 positions in different villages in the city are Felix Kisembo, who retired from Lira District Local Government as a senior treasurer, and Rafael Ocen Achonga, the son of the late Mike Ogwal Achonga, former mayor of Lira City West Division, who is currently investing significant financial resources in his campaigns.
Others include David Okede, popularly known as Lango One, and Pule Quinto, who are prominent businessmen in the city.