NRM, FDC, ANT faceoff in Serere County parliamentary race

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Serere County is shaping up for a bruising parliamentary contest as the ruling National Resistance Movement and key opposition parties lock horns, with incumbent MP Emmanuel Omoding-Okabe facing renewed challenges from veteran politicians seeking a comeback.

The race pits continuity against experience, faith-driven confidence against tested political clout, as former legislators Stephen Ochola of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Alice Alaso of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) re-enter the arena, setting the stage for one of eastern Uganda’s most closely watched battles.

Omoding-Okabe, who won the seat in a byelection following the death of his father, the late Patrick Okabe, now faces a crowded and high-profile contest that also includes some independents. 

“I am very confident that the manifesto I have is what the people of Serere believe in. It has been tested, proven, and commended, most recently when my father passed on and they entrusted me with this responsibility,” Omoding-Okabe told New Vision Online.

The entry of Ochola and Alaso has heightened political temperatures in the eastern Uganda constituency, with all three candidates banking on experience, record, and voter trust.

Ochola, a seasoned FDC politician, previously served as Serere County MP and later as LC5 chairperson for Soroti and Serere districts.

He lost the parliamentary seat to Patrick Okabe in 2016 before shifting focus to local government leadership.

“Having served as MP and LC5 chairperson for both Soroti and Serere districts, I strongly believe I have all that it takes to serve you,” Ochola has repeatedly told voters while canvassing support.

Alaso, another political heavyweight and former Serere District Woman MP, is also seeking to reclaim political ground. Once a senior FDC executive, Alaso is now contesting under the Alliance for National Transformation banner.

“My experience is what Serere County needs. You have tested me before and you know my capacity,” Alaso often tells voters during community engagements.

The race has further attracted other contenders, including Sam Ebukulasi, Emma Okwi, and journalist-turned-politician Stephen Ariong, making Serere one of the most competitive constituencies in the region.

Despite the stiff competition, Omoding-Okabe says he is drawing strength from both faith and his on-the-ground performance.

“I am inspired by how God turns ordinary people into servants who change lives. Because I believe in God and in the people of Serere County, I fear not,” he said.

Like his late father, the incumbent says his leadership has prioritised service delivery, with an emphasis on infrastructure, health, education, and livelihoods.

“We have achieved significant milestones in water coverage for both production and domestic use, power distribution, free health camps, roads, and skilling programmes,” Omoding-Okabe said.

He pointed to a constituency-based skilling hub that has trained young people in practical trades as one of the initiatives aimed at tackling unemployment and boosting household incomes.

Health has been another key focus. According to Omoding-Okabe, persistent advocacy has yielded tangible results, including government approval to elevate Serere Health Centre IV to a general hospital.

“The people of Serere have guided me on the areas that need attention. At the top of that list is health, and the elevation of Serere Health Centre IV to a general hospital is a major milestone confirmed by President Yoweri Museveni,” he said.

The legislator also highlighted progress in road connectivity and rural electrification, saying improved infrastructure has eased access to markets, health services, and schools.

Fresh from winning the NRM primaries, Omoding-Okabe dismissed suggestions that the return of experienced politicians poses a threat to his hold on the seat.

“I respect their profiles and experience, but I am not scared. Leadership is about service, not titles. What matters is what you have done and what the people want going forward,” he said.

Political analyst Stanslus Omita says the contest sets up a generational and ideological clash between a youthful incumbent leveraging continuity and legacy, and opposition veterans campaigning on experience and prior service.

As campaigns gather momentum, voters in Serere County will be weighing competing narratives of tested experience, fresh energy, and tangible service delivery.