Lira, Uganda – Retired Major Emmy Johnson Opio,a contender for the Erute North Member of Parliament seat,has urged voters to reject politicians who claim they were “sent by big people in government" to contest, arguing that true leadership comes from the people, not political appointments.
Opio made the remarks on Thursday while speaking at the funeral of Franco Amot in Wicere Village, Okwaloamara Parish, Ogur Sub-County, Lira District.
“A leader cannot be sent from above. It is the people who send their representatives to Parliament to fight for their development,"Opio declared. “Do not vote for those who claim they were sent by the President or State House. They have no agenda for the people."
The retired army officer, who has earned the nickname “Macodwogo Reloaded",also issued a stern warning to current leaders in Erute North and Lira District,whom he claims he has previously helped win elections.
“This time, they should forget my support because I am contesting myself,"he said. “Let them focus on their own campaigns."
Beyond his political ambitions, Opio outlined his broader mission to combat poverty in the Lango sub-region by promoting cocoa and coffee farming over the next three years.
“I will focus on empowering our people economically by providing seedlings and supporting agro-based projects," he said. “This is not just about Erute North—it’s about the future of all Lango people."
His message resonated with mourners, many of whom expressed frustration with leaders they accuse of neglecting grassroots development.
Opio’s bold statements signal a growing rejection of top-down political endorsements in favor of leaders with tangible grassroots agendas.As the race for Erute North MP heats up, his military background and anti-poverty campaign could make him a formidable challenger.
