More than 50 aspirants for district councilor positions were nominated in Tororo District today, with activities taking place at both the main National Resistance Movement (NRM) office and the Tororo County party branch.
One of the day’s most significant developments was the unopposed declaration of Bernard Ochieng, widely known as Oben, as the official NRM flag bearer for the 2026 mayoral race.
According to Tororo District Registrar Joseph Kadokech, Ochieng stood unchallenged after a thorough review of nomination forms and consultations with NRM headquarters.
Kadokech urged party members to rally behind Oben to ensure a strong showing in the upcoming general elections.
While the nomination process generally proceeded smoothly, it was not without controversy and heated moments.
At the main NRM office, Isaac Aya Achayo, contesting under the workers’ councilor category, caused a scene when he demanded the disqualification of incumbent John Odoi, claiming Odoi was ineligible to vote under that category.
When officials failed to provide a satisfactory response, Aya banged tables and had to be escorted out by security personnel.
In Ojilai Sub-county, further drama unfolded when aspirant Lauce Obbo challenged the inclusion of Philemon Owino on the nomination list.
Obbo argued that Owino had not submitted his interest forms by the official deadline of June 14.
The matter was referred to the Office of the National Chairperson, where Charles Owori confirmed that Owino paid his nomination fees on June 16—two days past the deadline. As a result, Owino was disqualified, and Obbo declared unopposed.
Elsewhere, a number of incumbent councilors picked nomination forms, pledging to build on their development track records.
However, challengers criticized them sharply, citing neglected road infrastructure and declining education standards in Tororo.
At the Tororo County branch, Registrar Wilberforce Okware oversaw the nomination of over 15 candidates. He reminded all aspirants to uphold the NRM’s principles of peace and order during the campaign period.
Speaking after the first day’s events, Registrar Kadokech described the nomination process as largely successful, noting that only minor irregularities were recorded—mainly in the workers’ slot and Ojilai sub-county races.