TORORO POLITICS: CANDIDATES CLASH OVER CORRUPTION, CITY STATUS, AND SERVICE DELIVERY
By David Imaa
Tororo Municipality, Uganda As the 2026 general elections draw closer, the political landscape in Tororo is heating up with a crowded field of candidates vying for the parliamentary seat. From seasoned incumbents to fresh challengers, the race is shaping up to be one of the most contested in recent memory, with issues ranging from corruption and healthcare to youth unemployment and the long-awaited city status taking center stage.
Shyam Jay Tanna: Dynasty and Development,
Businessman and political aspirant Shyam Jay Tanna has emerged as a vocal critic of the current leadership, accusing opponents of resorting to “cheap political tricks” such as defacing his campaign posters to win sympathy votes. Tanna, whose family has a long-standing legacy in Tororo, is campaigning on a platform of accountability, youth empowerment, and anti-corruption. He has pledged to tackle drug addiction, unemployment, and the lack of vocational training, while questioning the sale of public land, including a 4.1-acre dumping site missing and the stalled Morkatipe View project.
Patrick Ochom Oguta The Disputed Front-Runner
Patrick Ochom, who led in the NRM primaries before the elections were controversially canceled, claims his votes were unfairly deducted. He has since positioned himself as a champion for youth and women’s employment, promising to connect constituents to job opportunities in Kampala and beyond. Ochom has also vowed to fight corruption, which he says has denied Tororo its rightful development.
Annet Nandala Kimbowa: Integrity and Land Justice
Annet Nandala Kimbowa, a candidate from the NGO and FBO sectors, is running on a platform of integrity and gender equity. She has pledged to return grabbed public land and address the dire state of the health sector, which she describes as “bleeding.” With drug stockouts and poor supervision in health facilities, Kimbowa is calling for better resource allocation and oversight. She has also criticized the male-dominated political space and urged women to rally behind her candidacy.
Valentine Owori (NUP): Health, Jobs, and
NUP’s Valentine Owori has focused his campaign on the crumbling health infrastructure in Tororo. He highlighted the lack of protective gear, gloves, and basic maternal kits in hospitals, forcing mothers to buy essentials from pharmacies. Owori also raised concerns about underpaid health workers and the need for regional federal wards to address overcrowding. He advocates for mindset change and legislation to protect locals from exploitation in government projects.
Hon. Apollo Yeri Ofwono: The Incumbent’s Record Under Scrutiny
Incumbent MP Hon. Apollo Yeri Ofwono, also known as “Hodari kwa Kazi,” is defending his record as a farmer, businessman, and climate change advocate. He cites achievements such as lobbying for seed schools and ambulance services. However, he faces allegations of land grabbing in Ogola village and criticism over the management of Tororo Central Market. Yeri has responded by pointing to ongoing infrastructure projects, including the long-delayed Kasoli Bridge and electricity installations.
Okware Edward: Jobs, City Status, and Anti-Corruption
Okware Edward is campaigning on a promise to create jobs through industrial development, including lobbying for a steel rolling mill in Osukuru. He believes city status will help resolve tribal tensions and unlock employment opportunities. Okware has also called out corruption in the municipality, urging leaders to adopt a “hands-off” approach to public funds.
Osmani Odaka and the Call for Osmani Odaka has warned against the dangers of political tribalism and sectarianism, calling for unity and transparency. He emphasized that MPs should focus on legislation and oversight, not distributing mattresses or engaging in patronage. Odaka, who initiated the push for city status in 2017, believes the new city should be a cosmopolitan hub for all communities in Bukedi sub-region.
Marjan and the National Cake
Candidate Marjan has echoed calls for equitable service delivery, emphasizing that all citizens deserve to benefit from the “national cake.” He joins others in demanding better roads, healthcare, and access to government services.
City Status: Promise or Pitfall?
The elevation of Tororo to city status has become a major campaign issue. While some candidates see it as a unifying opportunity, others warn of deepening divisions if not handled inclusively. Shyam Tanna, Odaka, and Ochom all support the city’s potential to bring development, while Owori and Kimbowa stress the need for equitable service delivery regardless of tribe or background.
As the campaigns intensify, voters in Tororo Municipality are faced with a critical decision. With a crowded field and a long list of promises, the electorate must weigh rhetoric against action, and legacy against vision.
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