Zombo, Uganda: Zombo’s popular comedian Olokcwinyu Brian, widely known by his stage name Ajiri, has declared his candidacy for the Local Council I (LCI) chairperson seat of Alengukuma Cell, Central Ward in Paidha Town Council.
The 32-year-old entertainer made the announcement on March 3, 2026, saying he is ready to transition from comedy to community leadership.
“I want to formally announce that I will contest as the LCI chairperson of Alengukuma Cell in the forthcoming elections. It’s not a lie, it’s the truth, and I’m ready about it,” Ajiri said.
From Comedy to Community Leadership
Ajiri rose to prominence during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021 through his Ajiri Comedy crew, building a strong following across Zombo, Nebbi, Pakwach, Bunyoro sub-region and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He says his entry into politics is driven by a desire to address local challenges, including limited access to clean water, poor roads and the unfinished Zingili footbridge in the cell, which has a population of more than 400 residents.
“Time has come for me to serve my community,” he said, calling on young people to rally behind his candidacy.
Ajiri, who holds a diploma in Project Planning and Management from Fountain Head Institute of Management and Technology in Lira, says comedy has always been a platform to inform, educate and entertain.
Running as an independent candidate, Ajiri will challenge long-time incumbent Haruna Anego, who has held the position for decades.
The Local Council I chairperson heads the grassroots tier of Uganda’s decentralised governance system, presiding over village or cell council meetings and overseeing local administration.
Under the Local Governments Act, the LCI chairperson is responsible for monitoring service delivery, supervising government employees within the area, maintaining law and order and ensuring implementation of government programmes.
Ajiri’s political bid reflects a growing trend of entertainers venturing into leadership roles.
In Uganda, musician Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, transitioned from music to national politics as leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), while globally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy moved from comedy into national leadership.
Closer home, local artist Ojok Wilfred Olwora recently won the LCIII seat in Warr Town Council, inspiring many youth to consider public office.
The last nationwide LCI elections were held in 2018 after a 17-year gap. Current leaders’ terms expired in July 2023 but were extended, with fresh elections expected in 2026.
Whether Ajiri’s popularity on stage will translate into votes at the ballot remains to be seen as the grassroots race in Alengukuma Cell takes shape.
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