LIRA CITY – Eddy Morris Ogweng, a leading aspirant for the Lira City West parliamentary seat, has launched a sharp critique against incumbent and rival candidates, claiming that electing legislators who fail to advocate in the national assembly is a direct cause of persistent poverty among locals.
Campaigning vigorously today through Amuca, Alito Camp, Starch Factory, and Akwoyo wards, Ogweng argued that development is bargained for in the parliamentary chamber.
"Parliament is where the national budget is made and shared. When you send a person who does not talk, who remains silent, definitely our people will not get their share of development. That silence is what is increasing poverty here," Ogweng stated, addressing a gathering of voters.
The aspirant expanded his argument to include political affiliation, suggesting that an MP’s effectiveness is tied to their proximity to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
"Sending an MP who is not in the NRM or who is ‘behind the bus’ is another major factor hindering us," he claimed. "Such a member cannot lobby directly from the government for projects and programs. You need someone who can access the central system to deliver for you."
Ogweng, who cites internal opinion polls placing him ahead of opponents, also issued a direct warning to the electorate against being swayed by wealthy candidates with poor advocacy skills.
"We must be wise. We are warned against sending a businessman who, once in parliament, cannot articulate our issues but believes his money bought the seat and can keep him there. Your vote is not for sale; it is an investment in a vocal representative," he asserted.
His campaign message, blending the themes of effective representation, political pragmatism, and anti-vote-buying, appears tailored to resonate in a constituency where voters often weigh the concrete benefits of political connections against candidates' personal profiles.
The remarks have set a contentious tone for the race, framing the election as a choice between a connected and vocal lobbyist and what he characterizes as silent or ineffective alternatives. As the campaign intensifies, it remains to be seen how this narrative will influence the voters of Lira City West.
