By Mike Rwothomio

Zombo District, a longstanding stronghold of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) since its creation in 2011, has consistently delivered over 80% of its votes to the NRM in every electoral cycle, solidifying the party’s dominance.

However, this seemingly unshakable control is facing a formidable challenge as opposition parties and independent candidates mobilize to disrupt the NRM’s status quo in the 2026 general elections.

A coalition comprising opposition parties including the National Unity Platform (NUP), Democratic Party (DP), Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and independent candidates recently convened at Daudi Courts in Paidha Town Council.

Their goal: to forge a united front and field joint candidates to confront NRM flag-bearers in the upcoming polls.

Francis Bolingo, the opposition leader in Zombo and a member of the ANT, emphasized the coalition’s strategy during the meeting. “Our plan is to unite and present joint candidates at all levels to challenge the NRM’s dominance,” Bolingo told this publication.

Francis Bolingo, leader of the opposition in Zombo.

He highlighted internal divisions within the NRM as a key opportunity, stating, “We’ve observed open rifts and misunderstandings among NRM supporters and leaders in Zombo. We intend to capitalize on this to galvanize support.”

Bolingo further outlined the coalition’s ambition to field candidates for positions ranging from Local Council I (LCI) to Members of Parliament (MPs), aiming to mount a comprehensive challenge against the NRM’s electoral machinery.

The opposition also criticized the government for unfulfilled promises, particularly the failure to tarmac the critical 119-kilometer Nebbi–Goli–Paidha–Zombo–Zeu–Warr–Vurra road. This vital road, essential for trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has deteriorated significantly, stranding dozens of East African trucks en route to the Padea One-Stop Border Post.

Apparently, Seasonal downpours have exacerbated the situations, with bottlenecks at key sections like Ayuda and Nyagak bridge inclines in Abanga and Nyapea sub-counties, severely disrupting commerce to conflict-torn Ituri in eastern DRC.

Sarah Adong, a Zombo Woman MP aspirant running on the DP ticket and a leader in the DP Women’s League, expressed optimism about the coalition’s strategy.

Sarah Adong, an aspirant for Zombo Woman MP seat on DP ticket.

“We have candidates vying for various seats, but our primary focus is consolidating support for a united front and secure victory,” Adong stated, reaffirming her commitment to lead the opposition’s charge.

Similarly, Oyul Scolasti, an NUP candidate for Woman MP, praised the coalition’s efforts to unify for a common cause. She cited high unemployment, poor road infrastructure, and the absence of a community hospital as key motivators for her candidacy, underscoring the district’s neglected needs.

Ochora Ogentho, former secretary of the Paidha Boda Boda Association and an NUP candidate for district councilor in Paidha Town Council, expressed confidence in the coalition’s approach.

“The consensus we’ve witnessed in our initial engagements assures us that this joint candidacy will succeed,” he said.

Selemia Binen, UPC district chairperson, stated, “I’m thrilled to see different parties, including independents, coming together. We demand equal democratic space to exercise our rights, and we are ready to compete”

Recently, Former State Minister of Energy and long-serving Okoro County Member of Parliament, Eng. Simon D’Ujanga, also announced his candidacy for the Okoro County parliamentary seat in the 2026 general elections.

D'Ujanga's announcement follows weeks of grassroots mobilization, with constituents from Okoro County visiting D’Ujanga’s residence to urge him to run.

Speaking to journalists last month at his home in Ambaki Village, Kaya Parish, Paidha Sub-County, Zombo District, D’Ujanga confirmed he will contest as an independent candidate.

Another Independent candidate Sunday Omirambe, known as Jange, a journalist and entrepreneur vying for the Okoro County MP seat, called the coalition “a strategic step forward.” He emphasized, “We are committed to uniting and fielding joint candidates to achieve our collective aspirations”

Sunday Omirambe aka Jange, an aspirant for Okoro County MP seat on independent ticket

The opposition and independent candidate's momentum follows an emotional NRM primary election in Zombo, marked by controversy and unprecedented challenges to results at the party’s tribunals.

Several defeated NRM candidates, backed by loyal supporters, have announced plans to run as independents.

Notably, Topista Acamfua, a Woman MP candidate who lost to the incumbent in the NRM primaries with over 18,000 votes to the winner’s 20,000, has declared her intent to contest as an independent. Her significant support base poses a potential threat to the NRM’s cohesion.

The race for the Ora County MP seat remains contentious, with incumbent Songa Biyika Lawrence and challenger Kwiocwiny Grace Freedom awaiting tribunal results. Regardless of the outcome, the tight contest and robust grassroots support for both candidates signal potential divisions within the NRM.

Bolingo weighed on this, stating, “The NRM in Zombo is deeply divided due to primary results that contradicted members’ preferences. Our coalition welcomes those who feel disenfranchised, including NRM supporters, to join our cause.”

With over 100,000 registered NRM members across Zombo’s 752 villages, the party has historically dominated the district’s political landscape. However, internal rifts, exacerbated by the primaries, have prompted some supporters to consider aligning with opposition parties or backing independent candidates.

The NUP has further strengthened its position by establishing grassroots mobilization structures in Zombo, led by Dr. Kanabi Mozes, the party’s national coordinator for mobilization.

Another Woman MP Aspirant for Zombo on NUP ticket

Sources indicate that NUP is attracting candidates across various positions, positioning itself as a formidable player in the district’s grassroots politics.

NRM Responds

At a recent harmonization meeting for LCIII and councilor candidates at the district headquarters, Zombo interim NRM chairperson Dickson Pithua Kenedy urged party members to brace for stiff competition.

“We are confident in our support base and expect to dominate the primaries,” Pithua declared, firmly ruling out support for independent candidates. “We will back only NRM flag-bearers.”

Meanwhile, Zombo’s Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua, addressing NRM candidates during the LCIII results declaration, cautioned against complacency. “The emergence of opposition coalitions seeking to challenge us should keep us vigilant,” he warned.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information