Owiny seeks to unite communities after clinching Soroti LC5 seat
Speaking after being declared the winner on January 23, 2025, Owiny said his leadership would be anchored on forgiveness, reconciliation and unity, particularly between the Iteso and Kumam communities.
Soroti LC5 elect Bob Owiny.(Photo by Felix Osujo)
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Newly elected Soroti district LC5 chairperson Bob Owiny has pledged to unite communities, heal divisions and prioritise service delivery as he begins his term in office.
Speaking after being declared the winner on January 23, 2025, Owiny said his leadership would be anchored on forgiveness, reconciliation and unity, particularly between the Iteso and Kumam communities.
He promised to work with all political players and residents to serve Soroti district without promoting tribalism or exclusion.
"Those who have battled against us, those we have hurt or who have opposed us – we forgive and move forward to work for the bigger picture of serving Soroti," Owiny said.
He attributed his victory to divine guidance, saying his journey reflected God’s ability to uplift the humble and overlooked.
"People thought we orphans, we children, couldn’t make it. I am an Anglican by baptism and confirmation. The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda says God has a tendency to pick a nobody and turn them into somebody without consulting anyone. We have been picked by God to serve the people of Soroti," he said.
Owiny, a former district councillor, said his administration would focus on bridging political and social divides, restoring public trust and ensuring services reach all communities across the district.
The National Resistance Movement flag bearer won the LC5 chairperson seat for Soroti district after a closely contested race, polling 28,224 votes to defeat three other contenders.
His closest rival, Vincent Enomu, an independent candidate, garnered 20,504 votes, followed by John Michael Osege of the IDP with 5,242 votes, while John Calvin Elenyu of the FDC received 5,036 votes.
According to Soroti district returning officer Joseph Mukwaya, the election was largely peaceful, although some candidates raised verbal complaints over alleged irregularities.
Mukwaya said results from Aoja Labour Line B-Z polling station in Aukot sub-county were nullified after voters refused to cast ballots due to claims of ballot stuffing.
He encouraged dissatisfied candidates to seek redress through official channels and urged elected leaders to prioritise unity and restore hope among the people of Soroti.
Owiny brings extensive experience in local government to the office.
He previously served as district councillor for Tubur subcounty, district youth councillor and deputy speaker from 2016 to 2021. He also currently serves as the NRM publicity secretary for Soroti district.