By Mike Rwothomio

Berocan Epiphany, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Jonam Constituency, was officially nominated by the Pakwach District Electoral Commission Returning Officer, intensifying the political battleground for the January 15, 2026, general elections.

Following his nomination, Epiphany expressed gratitude to the Jonam electorate for their robust turnout, commending their overwhelming support in the NRM primaries, where he secured 63% of the vote, totaling 27,089 ballots. 

He framed his candidacy as a grassroots movement to address Jonam’s socio-economic challenges, emphasizing a populist manifesto centered on constituency-driven development

“This is a people’s mandate to liberate Jonam from systemic issues,” Epiphany declared, citing critical local concerns such as the Palango land dispute, the Fisheries Protection Unit’s overreach, and inadequate infrastructure.

He pledged to champion participatory governance through community barazas, forums designed to amplify constituent voices and collaboratively resolve local grievances.

Epiphany’s platform aligns seamlessly with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s recent visit to Pakwach District, the first in nearly a decade, where the President committed to tackling issues ranging from land disputes to education and infrastructure in a district of over 200,000 residents.

Epiphany’s campaign, branded under the slogan “Tic Man Tela Pi Dongo Jonam” (Service with Integrity to Transform Jonam), mirrors the NRM’s ideological pillars of nationalism, pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democratic governance.

A native of Pajago Central Village in Wadelai Sub-county, Epiphany hails from the Lwalo Clan (Pumit) and Ragem Clan (Pawor) through his parents. His personal narrative is one of resilience, overcoming financial barriers to achieve academic and professional distinction.

Dismissed from Pakwach Senior Secondary School over unpaid fees of UGX 299,250, he persevered, earning a First Grade in his UCE exams as a private candidate at Panyango S.S.

Berocan Epiphany being nominated

With support from his maternal uncle, Onen John Rubanga, he completed A-Levels at Lakeside College Luzira, later securing a government scholarship to Makerere University for a Bachelor’s in Economics. 

His academic journey culminated in an MSc in Econometrics from the London School of Economics (2010–2011) and an MA in Economics from Makerere University (2011–2013), both funded by the Ministry of Finance.

Epiphany’s 16-year tenure at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development equipped him with expertise in shaping Uganda’s National Development Plans and mobilizing resources for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

His contributions include spearheading economic policy analysis, advancing Uganda’s tenfold economic growth strategy by 2040, and establishing Zonal Analytics and Policy Advisory units for sub-regional planning.

Epiphany’s 2026-2031 manifesto prioritizes legislation, budgeting, representation, and oversight, aligning with the NRM’s national agenda. 

He urged voters to reject short-term electoral inducements, advocating for a unified Jonam to restore regional pride and prosperity. 

“This is not about me; it’s about our collective future,” he asserted, rallying support for the NRM and President Museveni.

Positioning himself as a pro-people candidate, Epiphany faces competition from independent candidate Marshall Alenyo. 

His campaign’s focus on resolving entrenched issues such as land disputes, fisheries governance, and infrastructure deficits—positions him as a bridge between local aspirations and national development priorities.

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