For nearly three decades, Tororo County North Constituency has stood as an opposition stronghold, firmly under the stewardship of Geoffrey Ekanya, the long-serving Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) legislator and current party treasurer.
Since its creation, the constituency—comprising five sub-counties and three town councils—has consistently voted against the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), keeping the party’s yellow flag at bay. But this time, the political winds appear to be shifting.
Ekanya, who has represented the area for almost 30 years, remains confident that his legacy and track record will once again earn him victory.
“I have represented my people in Parliament well. We have passed several bills that have been impactful to my people,” said Ekanya.
However, this election cycle is shaping up to be one of his toughest yet. Seven contenders have joined the race, the most prominent being the youthful Nicholas Owino, the NRM flag bearer. Other aspirants include Annet Nyaketcho, Johnson Obbo, and Odoi Shadrack, among others.
Owino, who has rallied strong support among young voters, insists that the time for change has come.
“Look at our roads. Service delivery in this constituency has been poor. It’s the only constituency without a single seed school,” said Owino.
Owino’s entry has significantly altered the political landscape. Scores of young people who previously aligned with the FDC have crossed over to the ruling party, rallying behind Owino—whom they describe as “their man of action.”
Political analysts believe that voting patterns in Tororo County North are gradually evolving. While historical loyalties have long been shaped by party and district divisions, this election could hinge on service delivery and individual performance rather than party identity.
“Politics has been played so much on district division. Now that the president has initiated the division of the district, the energy is going to shift toward service delivery,”
noted Kibangi, a political analyst.
Since its inception, no NRM candidate has ever won in Tororo County North, with victories alternating between FDC and independent candidates.
As the 2026 general elections draw closer, one key question lingers:
Will the opposition stronghold hold firm, or will the yellow wave finally sweep through Tororo County North?
Only time will tell.