Sorooti district and city NRM election seam to be a political realignment as two former top leaders of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have been elected to key leadership positions within the ruling party, signaling a broader shift in the political landscape of Eastern Uganda.
Once a fierce critic of the NRM establishment, John Enomu has now emerged as its new champion in Soroti City.
The former FDC district chairperson clinched the NRM City Chairmanship in a commanding victory, earning 48 votes to unseat incumbent Willy Bisanga, who managed just 15. The withdrawal of two other candidates cleared the path for Enomu’s unexpected rise.
Observers say Enomu’s transformation from opposition figure to NRM insider was neither abrupt nor accidental. Behind the scenes, he has been quietly building alliances, aligning with local development agendas, and bridging old political divides.
“Enomu’s win is more than a personal triumph; it reflects the NRM’s evolving approach to inclusivity and strategic recruitment,” said a political analyst in Soroti.
“He’s proof that the ruling party is opening its doors wider—especially to those with grassroots .
In Soroti District, Herbert Edmund Ariko Okworo, the MP for Soroti City East, was elected unopposed after a last-minute exit by outgoing chairman Charles Elasu. With 269 votes cast in his favor and none for the remaining candidates, Ariko’s ascent was decisive.
Ariko’s political capital has grown steadily over the years, driven by a visible track record of infrastructure development, education advocacy, and agricultural reform.
His elevation to NRM District Chair positions him as a regional kingmaker ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In his acceptance speech, Ariko pledged to “rebuild trust in the party’s local structures” and to “turn the NRM into a grassroots engine of transformation.”
The dual victories of Ariko and Enomu suggest more than just local leadership changes they reflect the NRM’s deliberate attempt to consolidate power in former opposition strongholds by embracing tested political actors, regardless of their past affiliations.
“This is not just politics as usual,” said Dr. Alice Akol, a governance researcher at Teso University. “It’s part of a broader NRM recalibration strategy that prioritizes effectiveness and electability over rigid party loyalty.”
As Uganda gears up for the 2026 elections, both men are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping the party’s regional strategy and voter mobilization efforts.
For the NRM, their wins may mark the beginning of a stronger hold in Teso—a region long seen as politically competitive.
The streets of Gweri and Soroti City erupted in celebration as supporters waved yellow flags and chanted slogans of unity and transformation. For many, the victories of Enomu and Ariko represent a fresh start—one that could redefine the region’s political identity.
“The message is clear,” said a youth leader during the celebrations. “Leadership is no longer about where you started, but where you can take your people.”