The political contest in Kapelebyong County is heating up as incumbent Member of Parliament Anthony Esenu prepares to defend his seat in the 2026 general elections.
Esenu, who has represented the county for the last five years under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, is facing stiff competition from seven challengers who believe the district needs a new direction.
Among the prominent aspirants is James Okwalinga, a native of Odukwai Village, whose official declaration to contest has stirred significant public interest.
Also in the race are Francis Akorikin, Maj Gen (Rtd) Joseph Arocha, Patrick Okello, Jonah Onyoin, Francis Ajum, and Johnson Malinga —each bringing diverse backgrounds and campaign messages to the political arena.
While each aspirant has promised to address the district’s longstanding challenges, Okwalinga has drawn particular attention with a manifesto centered on transformative, grassroots-focused leadership.
Contesting under the NRM banner, Okwalinga says his entry into the race is driven by a desire to address what he describes as "misplaced priorities and poor leadership" that have kept the district in a cycle of underdevelopment.
“I am Okwalinga James, a son of the soil from Odukwai. I have witnessed first-hand the many challenges our people face, and I believe we are lagging not because of lack of resources, but due to poor leadership,” he said during his campaign launch. “Kapelabyong deserves better, and I am ready to offer that leadership.”
Okwalinga’s platform focuses on five key areas: agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
He criticized the underutilization of government programs such as Operation Wealth Creation, the Parish Development Model, and Microfinance Support Centre initiatives, arguing that residents lack the necessary sensitization and leadership support to benefit from them.
“We have the land and the labor force. What we need now is direction and honest leadership that links the people with the opportunities,” he said.
Education and health also feature prominently in Okwalinga’s agenda. He lamented the district’s poor performance in national exams, which he blamed on inadequate facilities, low teacher motivation, and weak school-community collaboration.
“It’s not that our children are dull—they simply don’t have the tools or support. That must change,” he stressed, pledging to work with stakeholders to improve both physical infrastructure and learning outcomes.
On healthcare, Okwalinga decried the long distances residents must travel to access services, often under harsh conditions due to poor road networks.
“Our roads are impassable. A mother in labor can’t wait for good weather or a boda. That’s why I will fight for better roads as a lifeline for health, trade, and security,” he said.
He also outlined plans to modernize agriculture through mechanization, skilling programs, and better market access, aiming to turn the county into a regional food basket.
“If we add value and connect our farmers to markets, Kapelabyong can feed others. We shouldn’t be struggling to eat,” he said.
Addressing the youth, Okwalinga lamented rising idleness and gang culture among young people.
“These young people have energy but no opportunities,” he said. “I want to champion skilling, mindset change, and job creation through youth-focused programs.”
Closing his address, Okwalinga called on voters to reject what he described as “leaders who disappear after elections” and instead elect those with a genuine commitment to community service.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, Kapelebyong County is bracing for what could be one of the most competitive parliamentary races in its history, with the incumbent Esenu and seven other contenders—including Okwalinga—vying to convince voters that they hold the key to the district’s future.