Seven enter race for Omoro district speaker position

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Seven district councillors in Omoro district have declared their intention to contest for the position of district speaker for the 2026–2031 council term, setting the stage for a competitive race for the district’s legislative leadership.

The aspirants include both newly elected councillors and members who served in the previous council.

Each candidate is campaigning on a manifesto aimed at improving the welfare of councillors and strengthening deliberations on key development issues affecting the district.

The election of a district speaker in Uganda is guided by the Local Governments Act Cap 243, particularly Section 11, which outlines the procedures for the election, qualifications, and removal of the speaker and deputy speaker of a district council.

Under the law, the speaker and deputy speaker are elected through a secret ballot by members of the district council. A candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the votes to win. If no candidate achieves the required majority, a run-off election is conducted between the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes.

The election is presided over by a chief magistrate during the first sitting of the newly constituted council.

The district speaker serves as the head of the legislative arm of the district local government. The office presides over council meetings, maintains order during proceedings, enforces procedural rules, and ensures council business is conducted in accordance with the law.

The speaker also plays an important role in linking the council to the district executive, promoting accountability, and overseeing council records and proceedings.

The new speaker will be elected on May 12, 2026, the date scheduled by the Electoral Commission for the first sitting of newly formed local governments following the general elections.

Among the aspirants is Robinah Ayamo, the current deputy speaker and female councillor representing Palenga town council. Ayamo, who is also a teacher, is seeking to step up to the speaker position after the current speaker, Richard Bongowat Luganya, chose not to contest in the recent elections.

Luganya previously chaired the regional council that organised burial arrangements for the late former Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah.

Ayamo is joined in the race by Joe Lawot Okello, another female councillor from Palenga town council.

Other contenders include Jacob Oola Kizza, directly elected councillor for Abuga; Ben Kizito Acellam, representing Bobi subcounty; Paul Acaye Ocan, an engineer representing workers; Francis Lamony, councillor from Acet town council; and Francisco Watdok Awori, representing Koro subcounty.

So far, none of the councillors has publicly declared interest in contesting for the Deputy Speaker position.

Meanwhile, Andrew Okot Obibi, the LC5 chairperson-elect of Omoro district, has encouraged all interested candidates to remain in the race.

He noted that some capable candidates are not always formally endorsed by their political parties despite having the qualities required to serve effectively.

Obibi emphasised that the district needs a speaker who can preside over council proceedings with wisdom, experience and knowledge, and who will not be influenced by party politics.