FDC’s Olebo withdraws from Kibale County MP race, backs NRM’s Oseku for third term

Pallisa, Uganda: Kibale County MP Richard Oseku Oriebo has gained a significant political boost ahead of the 2026 elections after Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) chief mobilizer Emmanuel Olebo Odeke announced his withdrawal from the race and declared support for Oseku’s third term bid.

Speaking during a community consultative meeting at Kibale Subcounty headquarters, Olebo, who was also the FDC flagbearer in 2021, said he will not contest in the upcoming elections and will instead back Oseku for continuity and development.

“I have not crossed to NRM, which Oseku subscribes to, but I am supporting him because he is addressing issues that have troubled me in Kibale,” Olebo said. “I will only consider joining NRM if Kibale Subcounty gets a seed secondary school, a health center, and three more parishes established.”

Olebo handed over 78 grassroots mobilizers to Team Oseku, stating they would now compete for roles within the MP’s campaign team independently.

Pallisa District Vice Chairperson Clement Opakasi, who represents Kibale Subcounty, emphasized the urgent need for administrative restructuring, revealing that over 8,000 residents in the subcounty are currently under one parish, which complicates the Parish Development Model (PDM) implementation.

“After the carving out of Kibale Town Council, three parishes, Omatakojo, Odeperio, and Agurur, remain unmapped. This is a major bottleneck,” Opakasi said.

Oseku, who was later welcomed to Opwateta Primary School with jubilant ululations, expressed gratitude for Olebo’s support, calling it a unifying gesture for the development of Kibale.

“We are taking this parish issue to the Minister for Local Government, the Prime Minister, and the Speaker of Parliament to accelerate creation of the three parishes so our people can access PDM funds,” Oseku pledged.

Residents used the meeting to thank Oseku for various contributions to the area. Moses Emuge of Abila, Opwateta Subcounty, hailed the MP for supporting the establishment of Opwateta Community Secondary School, which has saved students from trekking to distant schools like Kamuge SS and Kibale HS.

“We’re also grateful for the donation of 600 plastic chairs and six tents for the three subcounties of Kibale, Opwateta, and Kibale Town Council. This will save communities from hiring costs during events,” Emuge added.

Ben Amukikin praised Oseku’s support in constructing classroom blocks, donating computers, and contributing UGX 1 million monthly to support teachers. However, he raised concern over the rising tension during campaigns, urging calm and civility.

David Outa, another resident, criticized divisive politics and warned leaders against orchestrating violence. “Some leaders hold meetings at night with the aim of inciting conflict. The minor confusion we witnessed here was fueled by such leaders who are maintaining political camps,” he said.

Jane Akello from Otelepai Cell in Kibale Town Council called out critics who downplay Oseku’s achievements.

“People he has helped educate are the same ones claiming he has done nothing. He bought over 100 bicycles for pastors, motorcycles for catechists who only contributed UGX 500,000, built an immunization centre, and bought an ambulance that serves everyone. He also fought to retain Kibale in Pallisa when there was a move to shift it to Butebo.”