Nominations heat up in Teso as candidates eye 2026 seats
In Soroti City East Division, the race for Division Mayor has attracted five contenders. Those cleared by the Electoral Commission on Tuesday include Abdul Latif (NRM), Solomon Epuru (NUP), Moses Onyait (PFF), Gabriel Ogire (FDC) and independent candidate Wilfred Onyango.
Nominations heat up in Teso as candidates eye 2026 seats
By Felix Osujo and Habert Paul Eyoku
Journalists @New Vision
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The nomination exercises for the 2026 general elections have gathered momentum across Teso, drawing candidates from various political parties and independents seeking to secure voter support.
In Soroti City East Division, the race for Division Mayor has attracted five contenders. Those cleared by the Electoral Commission on Tuesday include Abdul Latif (National Resistance Movement), Solomon Epuru (National Unity Platform), Moses Onyait (People’s Freedom Front), Gabriel Ogire (Forum for Democratic Change) and independent candidate Wilfred Onyango.
The exercise, presided over by assistant returning officer Luke Osele, also saw the nomination of several councillors vying to represent different wards. Among them are George Ongenge and David Etapu (Opuyo ward), Salume Amero (female, Kichinjaji), Valentine Goma (Aloet ward), Shaban Yahaya, Teddy Atim, Geoffrey Ewatu (PWD), Agnes Makoha, Nafuna Hariet, and Mamdan Okwi.
Speaking after his nomination, NRM candidate Abdul Latif expressed confidence in his ability to deliver effective leadership, while NUP’s Solomon Epuru said he was optimistic about victory, citing strong party support in Soroti East Division. Several councillor candidates also pledged to prioritise service delivery and accountability if elected.
Meanwhile, in Kalaki district, Monica Asako, who came third in the NRM primaries, has officially picked nomination papers to contest for the Woman Member of Parliament seat as an independent candidate.
Asako, who lost the party ticket to Mary Gorreti Ajilo, told supporters that her decision was driven by the need for unity between the Kumam and Iteso communities. She pledged to champion inclusive development, women’s empowerment, improved healthcare, youth skills training, and agricultural transformation.
Her entry sets up a tight contest against Ajilo, the official NRM flag bearer, and Suzan Asao, another independent candidate who recently defected from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
As the nomination period continues, all eyes remain on how these races will shape political dynamics in Teso ahead of the 2026 general elections.