The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has begun a fresh push to consolidate support in Apac District, a region long dominated by the opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), as the 2026 general elections draw closer.
During a weekend delegates’ meeting in Apac Town, key party figures rallied members to close ranks and prepare for what they described as a critical contest to regain political control.
The meeting brought together leaders from both Apac Municipality and Apac District, including Bernard Otim Odoc, the Coordinator for the Office of the National Chairman (ONC-NRM) in Apac, who urged unity ahead of the party primaries.
“We must put aside our differences and work together if we want to win Apac back. This is not the time for internal fights; it is time to focus on the bigger battle ahead,” Odoc told delegates.
The strategy, according to party leaders, hinges on intensifying grassroots mobilisation, building cohesion among cadres, and capitalising on what they see as growing voter disillusionment with opposition leadership in the area.
Betty Engola, the District Woman MP, said NRM intends to leverage its track record and government programmes such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga to win back public trust.
“The people of Apac are beginning to see the real benefits of government programs. We must continue explaining these programmes so voters know who truly cares for their future,” Engola said.
Talib Okabo, the District NRM Chairperson, outlined a campaign aimed at mobilising the youth, women, and first-time voters—groups the party believes are key to shifting the political balance.
“Our strategy is clear: we are bringing in young people, women, and first-time voters to be part of this journey. We can not allow the opposition to continue misleading them any longer,” Okabo said.
Several aspirants eyeing positions in 2026 also used the platform to declare their intentions.
Among them was Isaac Nekyon Emma, an MP hopeful for Apac Municipality, who promised to offer transparent leadership and work toward unity and development.
“Apac is a young Municipality that needs vibrant leadership, and I am offering myself to serve with honesty, to unite our people and attract meaningful development for this town,” Nekyon said.
Created in 2018, Apac Municipality remains firmly in UPC hands. The party currently holds the parliamentary seat, the district chairperson position, and controls over half of the local council seats.
NRM strategists believe the region’s political tide is turning, but observers say they face an uphill task in dislodging the entrenched opposition presence.
As the NRM intensifies its activities in Lango sub-region, Apac is emerging as a key battleground where both parties are expected to deploy significant resources and political capital in the months ahead.