A new contender has entered the political race in Moroto Municipality. Former National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Zainab Ali Angella has joined the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), declaring her intention to contest for the parliamentary seat in the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking to journalists after announcing her bid, Angella said her campaign will focus on health, education, women’s empowerment, and socio-economic development, pledging to bring a new wave of leadership to the semi-arid Karamoja region.
"I want to tell my people of Moroto that I am the change you need. I am the voice that will fight for you in Parliament, not the one that whispers in corridors or absconds parliamentary sittings," she said.
Known for her outspoken style, Angella vowed to advocate for equitable development in Karamoja, a region she says has long been neglected.
"Our people have suffered while our mineral resources are plundered and our cattle stolen. It is painful to see Karamoja contributing so much to Uganda’s wealth yet receiving so little in return," she added.
Angella also questioned the continued dominance of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Karamoja, where the party consistently secures over 70 percent of the vote.
"Why do we keep voting overwhelmingly for a government that gives us little in return?" she asked.
On why she switched from NUP to FDC, Angella explained that the move was ideological.
"FDC represents the principles I want to follow. Their message of accountability, democracy, and equality is what will help Karamoja prosper," she said.
Her entry sets the stage for a competitive contest in Moroto Municipality, where she will face NRM’s Frank Adome, Independent candidate Fred Angella, and other contenders yet to declare their bids.
With her renewed political energy and a promise to be the “voice of the people,” Zainab Angella’s comeback is expected to stir the political waters in Moroto ahead of the 2026 general elections.