OYAM, UGANDA – The political atmosphere in Oyam North constituency intensified this week as the area Woman Member of Parliament, Santa Alum Ogwang, campaigns in Abok for for her re-election in 2026, appealing directly to the people of Abok sub-county for their support.
Addressing a gathering yesterday, Alum presented her case by listing a series of developmental achievements she has spearheaded since taking office.
“I have spoken well for you in Parliament and the results are here for all to see,” Alum stated. “I personally bought an ambulance for this community, lobbied for two additional ambulances, constructed roads, and supported our schools. This is the record I am running on.”
The incumbent MP also issued a veiled warning to her constituents about supporting newcomers with unknown motives. She urged them not to accept “anybody with ill motive,” suggesting that such individuals “don’t know the problems of Oyam” and could “easily sell you out.”
Her appeal, however, was delivered against a backdrop of starkly different messages from other local leaders, highlighting the complex political landscape of the region.
In a separate development that underscores the national political dynamics at play, Mr. Brain Oguttu, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Chairman for Oyam District, made a surprising plea for voters to support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Oguttu’s message focused squarely on the preservation of stability. “It is bad to take back people to war like in Sudan,” he warned. “The people of Lango should vote for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni so that the peace we are having is maintained.” This appeal places the issue of national security at the forefront of the local electoral conversation.
Adding a layer of controversy to the pre-election period, the Oyam District Vice Chairperson, Chris Ongom, issued a stern threat to arrest anyone found collecting National Identification Cards from voters.
“We have information that some people are collecting national IDs from the people of Oyam,” Ongom declared. “The ID contains vital information for the people, and this practice is illegal and malicious. We will not hesitate to arrest anyone involved.”
This warning raises concerns about potential voter manipulation and identity theft ahead of the 2026 polls.
Both Ongom and Oguttu are campaigning for Santa alum
Despite these challenges, sources on the ground indicate that Santa Alum is garnering overwhelming support from a significant portion of the electorate, who credit her for delivering tangible services both in Parliament and at the constituency level. As the race begins to take shape, the battle for Oyam woman member of parliament is poised to be a contest between the incumbent's record of service and broader national political allegiances.
