Pallisa, Uganda: Former aspirant in the July 17 NRM parliamentary primaries, David Kooli, has openly declared his support for Democratic Party (DP) candidate Opio Okoler Lo Amanu Enock in the Pallisa County parliamentary race, a move that has sparked debate within ruling party ranks.
Kooli, who lost the NRM flag to Ibrahim Aisu, made the announcement at Limoto Primary School in Boliso I Sub-county during a memorial service for retired police officer Patrick Opolot.
He emphasized that while he remains a staunch supporter of President Yoweri Museveni, his loyalty at the parliamentary level lies with Opio, whom he praised as a “darling of voters” in Pallisa.
“I am an NRM diehard who will mobilize votes for President Museveni, but when it comes to Member of Parliament for Pallisa County, I am fully for Opio. His character and deeds speak louder than words,” Kooli told DailyExpress.
When asked why he refused to back Aisu, the official NRM flag bearer, Kooli said Aisu’s victory was “doubtful” and would be contested by the electorate in 2026. He stressed that Pallisa needed “material leaders who have proven themselves on the ground.”
Agents and Supporters Rally Behind Opio
Francis Okapelo, who served as Kooli’s polling agent in Pallisa Town Council, said their team had already resolved to back Opio if Kooli failed to secure the NRM ticket.
“Pallisa County needs quality representation in Parliament. Opio has been on the ground helping communities with transport, tents, chairs, and medical record books in health centres. This is the kind of leadership we want,” Okapelo said.
DP spokesperson and candidate for Pallisa County MP, Mr Opio Okoler Lo Amanu Enock, welcomed the endorsement, pledging to raise Pallisa’s profile in service delivery, lobbying, and “real representation” in the House.
Bena Moit, another local leader, cautioned residents against selling their votes to moneyed politicians. She lauded Opion for investing in people’s welfare, noting his daily support at burials and donations worth millions to health centres across Limoto, Kasodo, Olok, Kamuge, and Pallisa.
Community elder Edward Okiring added that incumbent MP Sam Otukol had abandoned Pallisa in favor of Agule County, leaving Opio to shoulder the burden with meagre personal resources.
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