Gulu City, Uganda: Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) stalwart turned National Resistance Movement (NRM) loyalist Martin Ojara Mapenduzi has been declared the NRM flag bearer for Bardege-Layibi Division after defeating local musician Bosmic Joyce Otim in the just-concluded party primaries.
Ojara, who is the incumbent Member of Parliament for Bardege-Layibi, garnered 4,102 votes, securing a comfortable victory over Bosmic Otim, who polled 1,900 votes.
Elsewhere in Gulu City, city lawyer Tonny Kitara, who previously defected from the Democratic Party (DP), won the NRM flag for Laroo-Pece Constituency after polling 4,717 votes. He defeated Atim Grace Oleyowiya, the former RDC of Nabilatuk, who managed 1,460 votes.
In the tight race for Gulu City Woman MP, Alima Joyce Reeni emerged victorious with 5,801 votes, edging out Laker Jolly Okot, who polled 5,434 votes.
Speaking after his win, Ojara thanked his supporters for withstanding what he termed as “external interference and orchestrated sabotage” from political rivals outside the NRM fold.
“I am very happy to be declared the NRM flag bearer for this constituency. I faced many odds, but I remained committed to the party and its values,” Ojara told reporters at the tally center.
He accused opposition politicians, including Fr. Charles Onen (Laroo-Pece MP), Samuel Odonga Otto (former Aruu MP), and Gilbert Olanya (Kilak South MP) of actively meddling in the internal NRM process by mobilizing support for Bosmic Otim.
Ojara further alleged that youth were ferried into polling centers, intoxicated, and incited to cause chaos at the Army playground polling station, prompting a security response.
“They fear me because I represent change and a future they’re not ready for. I was abused and insulted, but I chose calmness for the sake of unity,” Ojara said, while calling on all party members to uphold the NRM spirit of reconciliation.
He warned that while he had forgiven his opponents, any further attacks would be met with firm resistance. “I forgive Bosmic and Ogeri, but any further insults after this election will not be tolerated. We must now focus on strengthening the party.”
Ojara, once a rising figure within FDC and former Gulu District LC5 Chairperson, joined the NRM in 2020 and has since positioned himself as a strong political force in Northern Uganda.
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