By Mike Rwothomio

Epiphany Berocan, a prominent aspirant for the Jonam County parliamentary seat, Pakwach District, has formally entered the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary race by securing his nomination form, signaling a strategic move to consolidate his candidacy ahead of the party’s primaries scheduled for July 16, 2025.

The nomination process, which commenced on June 2 and runs through June 15, 2025, at the NRM Electoral Commission Offices on Plot 13 Kyadondo Road, Kampala, has drawn a competitive field of contenders vying for the ruling party’s flag.

Berocan’s decision to contest the NRM ticket dispels speculation about his reluctance to relinquish his influential role as a Senior Economist in the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, a position he has held since 2009.

Epiphany Berocan gestures after picking his nomination form at the NRM Electoral Commission Offices on Plot 13 Kyadondo Road, Kampala on June 2, 2025.

His extensive tenure in public service, including roles as a Research Assistant at the Bank of Uganda (2007–2008) and a Customs Officer at the Uganda Revenue Authority (2008–2009), equips him with a robust policy background and administrative expertise to tackle Jonam’s socio-economic challenges.

Upon collecting his nomination form, Berocan declared, “This action demonstrates to the people of Jonam and skeptics alike that I am fully committed to leading Jonam County. The time for transformative leadership is now.”

His campaign has gained significant traction across Jonam’s constituency , with grassroots mobilization efforts resonating strongly among voters.

Berocan’s platform prioritizes critical issues, including advocating for improved social services, such as establishing a district hospital, addressing the fishing community’s grievances against the Fisheries Protection Unit’s restrictive measures, and promoting infrastructure development and poverty alleviation programs.

As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, the NRM’s internal primaries have attracted high-profile figures, with Berocan joined by Vice President Jessica Alupo (Katakwi District Woman MP), Speaker of Parliament Anita Among (Bukedea District Woman MP), and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa (Ruhinda North MP). Other notable aspirants include Dr. Patrick Wakida, a former opposition analyst now seeking the Kabweri Constituency seat in Kibuku District.

The Jonam County race, however, remains a focal point, with Berocan facing stiff competition from incumbent LC5 Chairperson Robert Steen Omito and lawyer-surveyor Avola Kennedy for the NRM nomination.

A Campaign Rooted in Resilience and Vision

Berocan’s campaign gained momentum with a high-energy launch in Wadelai and Ragem, where thousands of supporters rallied to endorse his bid for the NRM ticket. The event underscored his growing influence and grassroots appeal.

A recent road accident in Luweero, which Berocan survived, has further bolstered his campaign narrative, framing his resilience as a symbol of divine favor and galvanizing voter sympathy.

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 manifesto articulates a comprehensive, people-centric agenda, emphasizing the completion of “unfinished business” in Jonam.

Key pledges include:

Agricultural Development: Revitalizing the Wadelai Irrigation Scheme to enhance food security and agricultural productivity.

Land Dispute Resolution: Addressing the contentious Palango land issue to restore community cohesion.

Fishing Community Advocacy: Proposing policies to mitigate the Fisheries Protection Unit’s restrictive measures, including equipping fishermen with modern tools like fish cages to boost productivity.

Healthcare Access: Lobbying for a district hospital in Pakwach to improve medical service delivery.

Education and Empowerment: Expanding student sponsorships and scholastic support, building on existing initiatives at Pakwach Secondary School, alongside skills training and cooperative programs for youth and women.

Cultural Revitalization: Supporting traditional leaders and community-based cultural initiatives to preserve Jonam’s heritage.

Berocan’s governance philosophy emphasizes transparency, accountability, and integrity, positioning him as a reform-minded candidate in a constituency grappling with systemic challenges.

Local political analysts highlight the challenges Berocan faces in Jonam’s competitive electoral terrain. The fishing community, a pivotal voting bloc, remains aggrieved by the Fisheries Protection Unit’s enforcement measures, which have disrupted livelihoods along the Albert Nile and Lake Albert.

Berocan’s ability to deliver a clear, actionable strategy to address these concerns will be critical to securing broader electorate's endorsement.

By securing his nomination form, Berocan has cemented his status as a formidable contender in the NRM primaries, positioning Jonam County as a key battleground in Uganda’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa