Ambassador Otengo urges Dokolo residents to back President Museveni
Ambassador Otengo speaking at Agwata Primary in Dokolo before the tournament kicks off on 1st January, 2026
By Patrick Okino
With just days left to the general election, Uganda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rebecca Amuge Otengo, has called on residents of Agwata Town Council in Dokolo District to intensify mobilization efforts in support of President Yoweri Museveni.
Ambassador Otengo said that although several presidential candidates are traversing the country seeking votes, Ugandans should carefully listen to their messages and ultimately choose President Museveni to continue leading the nation.
“As the people of Lango, we know where we were and where we are now. We know President Museveni’s capability. Let him continue and finish his term without interruption or internal pressure,” she said.
She made the remarks on Thursday, January 1, 2026, while presiding over a football tournament organized by the family of Prof. Fred Opio Ekong, the former Vice Chancellor of All Saints University Lango. The tournament was held in memory of his late daughter, Jamina Apio, a prominent lawyer who passed away in October last year.
Otengo urged leaders of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to scale up mobilization efforts by reaching every household in the district to ensure President Museveni, the party’s flag bearer, secures a massive win in the January 15, 2026 polls.
She also asked residents to disregard remarks by Jimmy Akena, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party president and Member of Parliament for Lira City East, who has discouraged people from voting for President Museveni.
“The President takes Akena as his younger brother, and his words should not be taken seriously,” she said.
Eight presidential candidates are contesting in the election, including Yoweri Museveni (NRM), Robert Kyagulanyi (National Unity Platform), Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party), Nathan Nandala Mafabi (Forum for Democratic Change), andMugisha Gregory Mutu Oyera (Alliance for National Transformation). Others includeMunyangwa Mubarak Sserunga (Common Man’s Party)andBulira Frank Kabinga (Revolutionary People’s Party).
In the 2021 presidential election, President Museveni won with 59 percent of the national vote, while Kyagulanyi trailed with about 35 percent. In the Lango sub-region, Museveni secured strong support, polling 61% in Apac, 76% in Amolatar, 63% in Dokolo, 63% in Oyam, 79% in Otuke, 65% in Alebtong, 68% in Kwania, 57% in Lira City, 60% in Lira District, and 70% in Kole.
Speaking at the event, Geoffrey Opio Ekong, the Dokolo NRM Chairperson, expressed confidence that President Museveni would win over 90 percent of the vote in the district in the forthcoming election.
He added that the party is also targeting victory for its flag bearers, including securing the district Woman Member of Parliament seat. Ekong acknowledged the existence of small factions within the party but said parish-level mobilization is ongoing and residents are willing to support the President.
He further revealed concerns over alleged mismanagement of party facilitation funds at village levels, noting that leaders in three out of 14 sub-counties attempted to mishandle the money, but the matter is being addressed to ensure transparency.
Alex Owera, the Dokolo District LC5 Councillor, lauded President Yoweri Museveni for maintaining peace and stability in the country, saying this record will secure him victory in the forthcoming election.
Owera said a large percentage of people in the district are supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), adding that Dokolo is determined to compete with other districts in the Lango sub-region in delivering an overwhelming vote for President Museveni.
