The Electoral Commission has officially declared Ofwono Opondo elected unopposed as the Member of Parliament for Older Persons, Eastern Region.
The declaration, signed by Returning Officer Richard Nsuube on November 7, 2025, follows Mr Opondo's nomination as the only candidate under Section 37 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap. 177.
Mr Opondo brings to the role a long and highly visible career in government communications. As Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre (UMC) and official government spokesperson for over a decade, he became one of the few public officials known for candid commentary — often critically assessing government policies — and yet navigating those responsibilities without losing political standing.
The 61-year-old career journalist has said the time is ripe for more visible, structured representation of older Ugandans, a group he believes has been historically overlooked in policy discussions.
When he resigned from UMC to take to politics, the NBS Frontliner and Capital Gang seasoned political pundit campaigned on a seven‐point manifesto designed to enhance the welfare, rights, and visibility of older persons, including initiatives on healthcare access, social security, and community participation.
With no opponent declared against him, Opondo’s election is now secured, marking the start of his term in the 12th Parliament.
His tenure will test whether a media-savvy, outspoken public servant can leverage communication skills into tangible outcomes for a traditionally underrepresented constituency.
