Apac, Uganda: The Electoral Commission has cleared nine candidates to contest for various Parliamentary seats in Apac District, setting the stage for one of the most hotly contested political battles in northern Uganda ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Apac District Returning Officer, Mr Joseph Omona, confirmed the nominations, declaring all duly nominated candidates and cautioning them against conducting early campaigns.
“We remind all nominated candidates that campaigns officially begin on November 10, 2025. Any campaign activity before that date is illegal and punishable under electoral laws,” Mr. Omona warned, urging contestants to uphold peace and fairness.
In Apac Municipality, three aspirants were cleared: Hon. Patrick Ocan (Independent), the incumbent MP and proprietor of Radio Divine; Hon. Maxwell Akora (UPC), the outgoing MP for Maruzi County who has shifted base; and Mr Isaac Odongo Nekyon (NRM), a cousin to the late veteran politician Akbar Adoko Nekyon.
In Maruzi County, the contest will feature Hon. Peter Obong Acuda (UPC), Speaker of Apac District Council and Councillor for Akokoro Sub-County, against Mr Moses Opeto (NRM), both pledging to offer people-centred leadership.
For the District Woman MP seat, Hon. Betty Engola (NRM), the incumbent, will face Ms Achola Susan Engola (UPC) in a rematch that has already stirred strong local interest.
Candidates Outline Their Visions
After nomination, Hon. Patrick Ocan called for issue-based politics and unveiled a three-point development agenda anchored on equity, service delivery, and accountability.
“Leaders must be result-oriented. The future of Apac Municipality will be determined next year when voters choose leaders who can deliver equity, transparency, and inclusive development,” Ocan said.
Hon. Maxwell Akora said his shift from Maruzi County to Apac Municipality was driven by his desire to serve the urban population, while Mr Isaac Odongo Nekyon (NRM) pledged to champion road improvement and agrarian transformation targeting women and youth.
“Our people need better infrastructure to move their produce and better opportunities to prosper. We’ll focus on roads, agricultural value addition, and empowering women and youth,” Nekyon said.
In Maruzi County, Mr Moses Opeto (NRM) promised to consolidate government-backed infrastructure, job creation, and rural electrification programs. “We’ll build on what the government has already started, from roads to power lines, and ensure these projects directly benefit local communities,” he said.
His rival, Hon. Peter Obong Acuda (UPC), vowed to prioritize education and youth skilling, focusing on access to bursaries and scholarships for bright but needy learners. “Education is the foundation of transformation. Our goal is to make sure every child in Maruzi County can dream and achieve through learning,” Acuda said.
Meanwhile, Hon. Betty Engola (NRM) reaffirmed her commitment to grassroots unity, transparency, and job creation, promising to strengthen community-based initiatives supporting women and youth. “I stand for servant leadership — leadership that listens, includes, and delivers,” she said.
Her challenger, Ms Achola Susan Engola (UPC), pledged to champion inclusive and unity-driven representation rooted in family welfare and community resilience. “Apac needs leaders who unite families, empower communities, and restore trust in leadership. My goal is to represent every household with fairness and integrity,” Achola said.
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