By Mike Rwothomio

Epiphany Berocan, a leading parliamentary candidate for Jonam Constituency in Pakwach District, was met with a thunderous and jubilant reception from ardent supporters upon his return, days after narrowly escaping a catastrophic road accident in Luweero.

The last week harrowing incident, which garnered significant media and social media coverage, was described by supporters as “shocking” and “providential.” 

Despite severe damage to the vehicle, Berocan and his fellow passengers sustained only minor injuries.

The emotional homecoming on Monday 12 May, underscored both a collective celebration of his survival and a powerful public affirmation of his burgeoning political stature.

Berocan’s rising prominence is no coincidence, rooted in a compelling blend of resilience, intellectual prowess, and unwavering commitment to public service.

Political Momentum Builds Ahead of 2026 Elections

As Uganda edges closer to the 2026 general elections, the political landscape is heating up, with Jonam Constituency emerging as a key battleground.

Supporters of Berocan Epiphany, the Jonam County MP aspirant gathered to welcome him at Pakwinyo parish, Wadelai sub county, Pakwach District.

The race for the parliamentary seat has drawn intense scrutiny, with four prominent candidates vying for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket: incumbent LC5 Chairperson Robert Steen Omito, lawyer Marshall Alenyo, surveyor Avola Kennedy, and Senior Economist Epiphany Berocan.

Among them, Berocan has surged and is steadily consolidating support and positioning himself as a formidable contender in the NRM primaries.

A Campaign Launched with Fervor

Berocan’s return to Pakwach was marked by a grand homecoming in Wadelai and Ragem, where thousands of enthusiastic supporters turned out to welcome him.

The event doubled as the launch of his campaign, signaling his intent to dominate the NRM primaries.

Berocan Epiphany interacts with his supporters

The accident, far from derailing his ambitions, has only amplified public sympathy and galvanized his base, framing his survival as a testament to his resilience and divine favor.

A Leader Forged in Adversity

Born on January 3, 1984, to retired catechist Ijino Okwong of the Lwalo Clan (Pumit) and Mego Judita Nyivuru Okwong of the Ragem Clan (Pawor), Berocan hails from Pajago Central Village in Wadelai Sub-county.

His life story is one of perseverance against formidable odds. His educational journey, marred by financial hardship, saw him dismissed from Pakwach Senior Secondary School over unpaid fees of UGX 299,250. Undeterred, he sat his UCE exams as a private candidate at Panyango S.S., securing the only First Grade among 238 candidates.

With support from his maternal uncle, Onen John Rubanga, Berocan completed his A’ Levels at Lakeside College Luzira.

His academic excellence earned him a government scholarship to Makerere University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

Further accolades followed, including a prestigious government-funded MSc in Econometrics at the London School of Economics (2010–2011) and an MA in Economics at Makerere University (2011–2013), sponsored by the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

A Proven Public Servant

Berocan’s professional credentials are equally impressive. His career began as a Research Assistant at the Bank of Uganda (2007–2008), followed by a stint as a Customs Officer at the Uganda Revenue Authority (2008–2009). Since 2009, he has served in the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, rising to the rank of Senior Economist. This extensive experience equips him with the technical acumen and administrative expertise needed to address Jonam’s developmental challenges.

A Vision for Transformative Governance

Berocan’s campaign manifesto articulates a bold, people-centric agenda aimed at addressing Jonam’s pressing issues. Central to his platform is the completion of “unfinished business,” including the revitalization of the Wadelai Irrigation Scheme to bolster food security and agricultural livelihoods.

He also pledges to resolve protracted land disputes, notably the contentious Palango land issue, which has undermined community cohesion.

The fisheries sector, a lifeline for Jonam’s economy, is another priority.

Berocan vows to advocate for policies that protect fishermen from the Fisheries Protection Unit’s restrictive measures, which have curtailed access to the Albert Nile and Lake Albert due to rampant illegal fishing.

He proposes equipping fishermen with modern tools, such as fish cages, to enhance productivity and restore dignity to the sector.

In healthcare, Berocan commits to lobbying for a district hospital in Pakwach to improve access to quality medical services. In education, he plans to expand student sponsorships and scholastic support, building on his ongoing initiatives at Pakwach Secondary School. 

For youth and women, he envisions robust poverty alleviation programs through skills training and cooperative empowerment.

Berocan also emphasizes cultural revitalization, pledging support for traditional leaders and community-based cultural initiatives. His governance philosophy is anchored in transparency, accountability, and integrity—qualities he deems essential for effective leadership.

Addressing Local Grievances

Local political analysts underscore the challenges Berocan must navigate in Jonam’s charged political environment.

The fishing community, a significant voting bloc, demands concrete solutions to the Fisheries Protection Unit’s heavy-handed tactics, which have devastated livelihoods. Berocan’s ability to articulate and deliver on a clear strategy to address these concerns will be critical to securing the NRM nomination.

As the NRM primaries loom, Berocan’s homecoming has solidified his status as a unifying figure in Jonam.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa