By Mike Rwothomio

Sarah Adong, Chairperson of the Democratic Party (DP) Women’s League, has officially declared her candidacy for the Zombo District Woman Member of Parliament seat in the 2026-2031 term by collecting nomination forms.

Known affectionately as “Mama Zombo, Yoo Leng,” the seasoned media figure and DP stalwart, accompanied by supporters, obtained the forms from the Zombo District Electoral Commission offices on Ofaka Road, Paidha Town Council, on the morning of Thursday, October 2, 2025.

The forms were handed to Adong by Zombo District Returning Officer Emmanuel Ogwang, marking the start of an intensive mobilization campaign ahead of the pivotal January 2026 general elections, which will determine Zombo’s leadership for the next five years.

Speaking to journalists after securing the forms, Adong emphasized that her action fulfills a constitutional requirement and urged Zombo voters to back her vision for transformative leadership.

“Today, I have begun the process as mandated by law. I call on the people of Zombo to seize this moment to elect a leader who will advocate boldly yet strategically for effective service delivery. I am committed to crafting legislation that prioritizes farmers, youth, women, and schoolchildren. This is the start of walking the talk, and I seek your support in this journey,” Adong declared.

Adong’s bid in the 2026 elections marks her second attempt at the Woman MP seat, having finished as runner-up in the 2021 elections with approximately 17,000 votes in a district where the National Resistance Movement (NRM) maintains a strong grip.

“In 2021, we fell short, but 2026 is our time,” Adong asserted, signaling her determination to challenge the NRM’s dominance.

Sources indicate that the race for Zombo’s Woman MP seat has drawn four prominent contenders, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive campaign.

Meanwhile, a coalition of opposition parties and independent stakeholders has been exploring the possibility of fielding joint candidates to counter the NRM’s entrenched influence. However, the progress of these negotiations remains unclear.

Francis Bolingo, leader of the opposition coalition in Zombo, endorsed Adong’s candidacy, praising her as “a capable leader with the capacity to champion solutions to Zombo’s challenges, including poor road infrastructure, lack of a hospital, and inadequate education services.” 

Bolingo also called for a peaceful campaign, urging voters and candidates to focus on constructive agendas.

“Adong, myself, and other candidates advocate for campaigns free of attacks and insults, enabling voters to make informed choices,” he said.

Voters in Zombo have repeatedly raised concerns about the deplorable state of the 119-kilometer Nebbi-Goli-Paidha-Zombo-Warr-Vuura road, pressing leaders to amplify their advocacy for its improvement. While maintenance work is underway on the 119-kilometer stretch, the Ministry of Works recently proposed securing loans to pave the 16-kilometer Nebbi-Goli section.

Emmanuel Ogwang, Zombo's Returning Officer hands over Nomination forms to Adong Sarah at Electoral Commission Offices in Paidha town council on October 2, 2025.

Local residents, particularly in Zombo, are pushing for the entire road to be paved to boost socio-economic development.

Nominations for parliamentary candidates are set to commence in the coming weeks, paving the way for vibrant campaigns to determine who will represent Zombo in Parliament.

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