Two challengers are vying to unseat Felix Okot Ogong, the long-standing Member of Parliament for Dokolo South Constituency in Dokolo District, in the 2026 General Election.
Mr Okot Ogong, who is seeking re-election on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, has held the seat since 1996, making him one of Uganda’s longest-serving legislators.
His challengers: Mr Vincent Opito of the opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party, and Mr Julius Engwau of the Democratic Party (DP), promise to bring to the table life-changing interventions for the constituency if given the mandate in the 2026 general election.
In the 2021 elections, Mr Okot Ogong survived narrowly Mr Opito, who contested against him under the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket.
Luckily enough, NRM’s Okot Ogong garnered 13,285 votes and won the election with a difference of 1,654 votes. Mr Opito polled 11,631 votes and lost the election. Another candidate, Mr Ambrose Ocen of the National Unity Platform (NUP), got 706 votes.
Nonetheless, the 2026 election provides a fertile ground for the two competitors to test Mr Okot Ogong’s popularity and the appetite for change. Mr Opito, who is seen by many as a key contender, is determined to bring change to Dokolo South.
The Congressman has pledged to address the diverse needs of the constituents if elected for the 2026-31 term. Interestingly, Mr Opito is aware that different groups, such as young people, senior citizens or older persons, persons with disabilities, car washers, and those engaged in mobile business, experience varying challenges that require tailored solutions.
Mr Opito says his vision aims, among other things, to categorize these groups and provide targeted support to each one of them. According to Mr Opito, the most neglected areas in Dokolo South are the sub-counties of Adeknino, Okwongodul, and Kwera. Kwera Sub-county is Mr Okot Ogong’s birthplace. He points out that these areas suffer from crop destruction caused by hippopotamuses from the nearby Lake Kwania.
‘Despite the severity of the issue, the current Dokolo South MP has ignored it in Parliament. If given the mandate, I promise to address this and ensure that those affected people receive proper compensation from the government,’ he says, adding, ‘I am the only true leader in the race, and I urge people to support my parliamentary bid in the forthcoming elections.’
Mr Okot Ogong’s long tenure has seen both support and criticism, with some constituents appreciating his efforts in supporting the construction of churches and sponsoring bright students, and providing assistance to vulnerable families and engaging with constituents. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the constituency’s challenges.
But the incumbent Member of Parliament says he is still better placed to represent the voice of Dokolo South in the 12th Parliament. For continuous enjoyment of effective service delivery, he pledges to coordinate with the central government in Kampala, the district leadership, and also the local government at the sub-county level if re-elected.
‘I will play all my roles as a Member of Parliament, and I will dedicate myself, my time, and my energy to ensure that we improve the lives of our people, we increase and promote development in my district and also in my constituency,’ says Mr Okot Ogong.
He adds, ‘I will promote the welfare of the youth, women, people with disabilities, and the welfare of older persons and others. I will ensure that everybody benefits from the programmes that are being designed and promoted by the government. I will do my best to ensure that all those that are meant for Dokolo are implemented.’
Mr Engwau, however, is an aspirant who believes he can do better. With his fresh perspective, he aims to address the constituency’s needs more effectively. For instance, he promises to bring about a transformative change in the education sector. Dokolo District, just like many districts in northern Uganda, has struggled with poor performance in national examinations, high dropout rates, and inadequate educational infrastructure.
Mr Engwau’s vision includes improving the quality of education, increasing access to educational resources, and supporting teachers. Under improved infrastructure, the DP flagbearer plans to advocate for the construction of new classrooms, libraries, and laboratories to provide a conducive learning environment. He further plans to come up with initiatives to train and motivate teachers, ensuring they have the necessary skills and resources to deliver quality education.
In a bid to increase access to affordable quality education, Mr Engwau promises to offer scholarships and bursaries to disadvantaged learners, reducing dropout rates and promoting inclusivity. Also, he plans to work with parents, teachers, and the community to create a supportive environment for education.
Key issues are likely to influence their choices, shaping the outcome of the elections, including the upgrade of Dokolo Health Centre IV to the level of a general hospital.
Political analysts like Mr Jasper Ouni say the leadership style and accountability of candidates will be crucial factors in the elections in Dokolo District.
Indeed, voters admit that they are looking for leaders who can deliver on their promises and provide effective representation.
The sub-region continues to suffer from poor road network; lack of access to affordable education, water, sanitation, livelihood projects and healthcare. Voters may rally behind candidates whose manifestos touch on real issues that affect them.
Figures
The entire Dokolo District has a total population of 215,625 people, including 108,260 males and 107,365 females, according to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census. In 2021, 40,468 voters participated in the parliamentary elections in Dokolo South.