Sam Engola Declared Unopposed in NRM Parish Elections, Launches Bid for Northern Uganda Vice Chairperson Seat

Lira, Uganda – Veteran politician and former State Minister for Housing, Hon. Sam Engola, has officially launched his campaign for the position of Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda under the National Resistance Movement (NRM), after being declared unopposed in the party's parish-level elections in Awioodyek parish, Lira District.

Engola’s uncontested victory at the parish level not only secures his role as Chairman NRM Lira District, but also solidifies his momentum heading into the race for the influential NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, a position that has remained vacant since the untimely passing of former Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah.

Hon. Engola, who also previously served as the Member of Parliament for Erute County South, remains a seasoned political figure with deep-rooted support in the region. At his official campaign launch, Engola acknowledged the significant hurdles faced in previous campaigns, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when movement restrictions affected grassroots mobilization. He expressed renewed energy and determination to tackle long-standing challenges in the North.

“The people of Northern Uganda need transformative leadership that focuses on unity, development, and empowerment. I am here to serve and elevate our communities,” Engola said.

Engola has outlined his campaign agenda around three pillars: poverty alleviation, youth unemployment, and infrastructure development.

He emphasized his commitment to advocating for better roads, improved health services, and support for farmers and small-scale traders.

Analysts suggest that his decades of experience and national visibility could give him a clear edge over potential rivals, even as competition is expected from other Northern Uganda leaders within the NRM party structure.

Beyond development, Engola also pledged to foster unity among the NRM leadership in the region. He cited his previous roles in brokering peace during Northern Uganda’s post-conflict recovery and working closely with the central government to push for regional interests.

“Our focus is not just politics—it’s about healing, reconciliation, and driving the region forward together with the party and the people,” he noted.

In a notable twist, voters from Erute County South are also urging Engola to return to Parliament in the upcoming 2026 general elections. Many in the constituency see him as a stabilizing force with the ability to represent their interests at the national level effectively.

This dual momentum—from both party structures and community voices—positions Sam Engola as a formidable figure in the NRM's internal leadership race and potentially the national legislative arena once again.

As the NRM prepares for its internal elections, all eyes in Northern Uganda are now on the trajectory of Engola’s campaign. With his unopposed start and a clear development agenda, supporters believe he is best placed to fill the leadership vacuum left by Jacob Oulanyah and to champion the region’s interests in the years ahead.