Kole, Uganda – Former Kole North parliamentary aspirant Patrick Awongo Ogwal has announced he will contest the 2026 general elections as an independent candidate, days after losing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag to incumbent MP Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday shortly after picking nomination forms for the Kole North MP seat, Awongo claimed the NRM primary results were manipulated to favor the incumbent.
“The primary election results were just written to favor the current MP,” Awongo alleged. “The real decision will be made by the people in the general election.”
Despite choosing to run as an independent, Awongo emphasized his continued allegiance to the NRM party — unless the party explicitly disowns him.
“I am contesting as an independent, but I remain NRM-leaning unless the party refuses me,” he stated.
Awongo outlined his campaign will focus on four key priorities: improving access to quality education, strengthening the healthcare system, supporting farmers through modern agriculture initiatives, and ensuring effective representation for the people of Kole North.
The move sets up a potentially tight race in Kole North, as Awongo seeks to unseat Dr. Opio Acuti in what may become one of the most closely watched constituency battles in northern Uganda.
