Todwong storms Nwoya as NRM battles Opposition surge

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GULU CITY — National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretary general Richard Todwong has pitched camp in Nwoya district in a strategic effort to reinforce the party’s flag-bearers ahead of the January 15, 2026, General Election.

Todwong’s mission is to consolidate NRM support in a district where party candidates are facing stiff competition from an energised Opposition, particularly the Democratic Party (DP). 

Several NRM flag-bearers, including Tonny Awany, Lilly Adong, Christine Lanyero Larem, and Patrick Okello Oryema, are under intense pressure in both parliamentary and local government races. The political terrain in Nwoya has become increasingly competitive, raising concerns within the ruling party about potential losses. 

NRM women leaders from the Northern Region, attending a meeting called by Ruyondo. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)

NRM supporters attending Todwong rally at Paminyai primary school. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)

DP candidates have adopted a calculated split-vote strategy, openly campaigning for President Yoweri Museveni while urging voters to elect non-NRM candidates at the parliamentary and district levels.

The approach emphasises “competence over party loyalty,” a narrative that has complicated NRM’s efforts to secure straight-ticket support in the district.

Key parliamentary battles

In Nwoya County, DP’s Geoffrey Opiyo Payira is locked in a tight contest with NRM’s Tonny Awany. Nwoya East has also emerged as a battleground, where DP’s Geoffrey Charles Okello is challenging Lilly Adong.

Meanwhile, the District Woman Member of Parliament race has attracted significant attention, with Christine Lanyero Larem facing incumbent Judith Peace Acan, who is contesting as an independent. 

Addressing party supporters, Todwong urged voters to embrace straight-ticket voting, saying service delivery is most effective when leaders are aligned with the ruling party.

He warned that Opposition legislators often find themselves excluded from critical NRM caucuses where key national decisions and development priorities are shaped.

According to Todwong, the absence of Opposition MPs from NRM party caucuses limits their ability to influence government programmes, ultimately disadvantaging their constituents.

At the grassroots level, residents raised concerns about gaps in infrastructure, education, and health services. Todwong attributed these challenges not to government neglect, but to weak co-ordination among political leaders.

NRM unity vs Opposition politics

Toodwong emphasised that unity remains the NRM’s greatest strength, cautioning that electing Opposition leaders could diminish Nwoya’s influence at the national level.

He stressed that cohesive political leadership is essential for attracting government programmes and accelerating development.

NRM candidate Lilly Adong criticised what she described as the Opposition’s “confusing message” of backing President Museveni while opposing NRM candidates.

She expressed optimism that Todwong’s presence in the week leading up to the end of 2025 would stabilise the party’s campaign and clarify its message to voters. 

Nwoya has long been considered a DP stronghold, a legacy closely linked to former MP Zachary Olum. His influence continues to shape Opposition strategy and voter loyalty in the district. 

Responding to criticism over his role in the removal of presidential age and term limits, Todwong defended the constitutional amendments, stating they were necessary to ensure continuity, stability and national progress. 

He praised ongoing mobilisation efforts for Museveni across the Acholi region and revealed that the NRM boasts over 21 million registered members nationwide, with approximately 14 million registered voters.

He added that campaign activities will soon resume in Butambala as part of the party’s nationwide outreach.

Funding concerns

At a recent meeting in Gulu, chaired by Ann Ruyondo Lumumba, leaders of the NRM Women’s League raised concerns about limited campaign funding.

In response, Todwong assured members that mobilisation funds are already being disbursed through district accounts and pledged that all party leagues will be fully financed.

NRM district chairperson Mary Adokoracah concluded the meeting by urging unity and warning party members against collaborating with opposition factions as the campaign enters its critical phase.