Road to 2026: Julius Okurut joins race for Pallisa County MP seat

Pallisa, Uganda: Renowned Pallisa public orator and celebrated events manager Mr. Julius Okurut Arecho has officially declared his intention to contest for the Pallisa County NRM party primaries ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Okurut’s long-rumored bid became a reality on Thursday, with his posters and banners visibly splashed across Pallisa Town. His unveiling coincided with the commissioning of the Saaka Bridge by First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, who represented President Yoweri Museveni at the event.

A resident of Komolo Village in Pallisa Sub-county, Okurut is known for his active role as a Catholic youth leader and Iteso cultural youth coordinator in the district. He has also served as a Community Development Officer under the Pallisa District Local Government.

In an exclusive interview with DailyExpress, Okurut emphasized that his entry into the political race is driven by a desire to “reshape the political landscape” of Pallisa and restore community trust in leadership.

“I have not positioned myself to seek employment,” Okurut said. “Other counties are making progress, yet Pallisa is deteriorating and politically orphaned. Hon. Sam Otukol, who hasn’t even completed one term, has now shifted focus to Agule County. That’s betrayal.”

Okurut argued that Pallisa County, which comprises nearly half (49%) of the district’s total population, deserves better parliamentary representation. “With foresighted leadership, Pallisa would already have attained municipal status alongside Kumi. But due to lack of strategic lobbying, the district continues to miss out on vital services,” he said.

Denis Arikod, a boda boda rider in Pallisa, welcomed Okurut’s entry, calling it “timely and refreshing.” “MPs sweet-talk voters during campaigns but abandon them after elections. Many of us had decided to boycott MP elections and focus on LC leaders who are accessible. But Okurut gives us hope again,” Arikod said.

Political analyst Emmanuel Olebo Odeke said Okurut’s candidature could reshape the election dynamics if voters prioritize substance over tribal or financial influence. “Pallisa voters have long been frustrated by opportunistic politics. This time, they must reject tribalism and money politics. We need unifiers, not dividers,” he noted.

Okurut joins a growing list of hopefuls eyeing the NRM ticket for Pallisa County, which currently includes Ibrahim Aisu Waisu and Herbert Dakasi. The political race is expected to heat up in the coming months as the primaries approach.