A close look at the scramble for Nebbi Mayoral Seat

Nebbi: As the 2026 elections draw closer, a fierce political contest is unfolding in Nebbi Municipality. The incumbent mayor, Geoffrey Ngiriker, faces mounting competition from both youthful politicians and older contenders who aim to unseat him and bring about the “change the Municipality deserves.”

The outcome of this battle will have a profound impact on the future of Nebbi Municipality, potentially reshaping the lives of its 40,000 residents, the majority of whom belong to the Alur tribe.

A shift in the political landscape is becoming evident, with many young people challenging the status quo and proving that the time for youth leadership is now, rather than in the distant future.

For Geoffrey Ngiriker, a loyal member of the NRM party, the upcoming election represents a formidable challenge. He will need to defend his tenure and highlight his achievements while addressing unfinished business if he hopes to retain his position.

Ngiriker, who first assumed the mayoral office in 2018 after a by-election, recently addressed religious leaders at Afere Church of Uganda in Nebbi Municipality, expressing his commitment to the area.

“I still have a lot of plans for Nebbi Municipality which I need to finish,” Ngiriker remarked. “I will not leave Nebbi until it is fully developed.”

Despite some criticism, Ngiriker points to significant progress during his tenure, such as the finalization of the Municipality’s physical development plan and road openings within the town.

One of his major projects includes a proposed shillings 3.2 billion market structure, although the timeline for its completion remains unclear.

However, his administration has faced setbacks, including criticism for mismanagement of solid waste and delayed infrastructure projects, such as the construction of market stalls in Oryang Cell, Thatha Division, and health facilities in Thatha and Abindu.

Ngiriker has attributed many of these challenges to funding shortages and bureaucratic delays, especially following the 2020 directive that mandates local revenue be remitted back to the national consolidated fund, which has caused delays in the disbursement of funds to local governments.

Thorwinyowa Geoffrey

One of the leading figures challenging Ngiriker is Thorwinyowa Geoffrey, also known as Jeff. A journalist by profession, Jeff has earned a reputation for his leadership, having worked at Rainbow Radio in Nebbi since 2012.

His political experience dates back to 2016 when he ran as an independent candidate for the Nebbi Town Council and won a district councillor seat. He retained his seat in 2021 as an independent candidate representing Thatha Division.

Jeff, the youngest contender in the race, believes that Nebbi Municipality is suffering from leadership gaps that hinder development.

“I see a lot of leadership gaps and I see a lot that isn’t happening,” he said in an interview with this publication on March 5, 2025. “I think I have enough experience to address these challenges.”

The cool-headed politician, who is also passionate about sports, believes his experience in local leadership has prepared him to take on the role of mayor. “This is my second term as a district leader, and I’ve learned a lot,” he added. “This has always been my political ambition.”

Jacklin Opar

Another major contender in the race is Jacklin Opar, the LCIII chairperson of Thatha Division. Opar, who is known for her leadership and has been a vocal advocate for her community, is the only female candidate in the mayoral race.

As the current chairperson of the LCIIIs Association in Nebbi, Opar is hoping to transition from her current position and rise to a higher leadership role in order to better serve her people.

Opar is seen by some as a strong female figure who may bring fresh perspectives to local politics. However, she will face the challenge of convincing voters in a predominantly male-dominated political environment. She intends to offer a clear manifesto that focuses on issues that have not been fully addressed by her predecessors.

Onega Robert

Another serious contender is Robert Onega, a former FDC candidate for Nebbi Municipality MP. According to sources close to him, Onega has shifted his focus from the MP seat to contest for the mayoral position in 2026.

Although attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful, it is clear that Onega’s decision to pursue the mayoral seat has added another layer of complexity to the race.

Other Contenders

Other potential candidates include former mayor Chombe Mucek and Olangi Mba, both of whom have reportedly been gaining grassroots support.

However, Nebbi politics are notoriously complex, as noted by an opinion leader in the region, who stated, “People elect their favorite leaders, but sometimes individuals end up imposing their own candidates. As I speak, people already have their chosen leader.”

Residents of Nebbi, such as Pius Kisa, express their desire to have a say in the election, with Kisa emphasizing that the people should be allowed to elect a leader of their choice without outside interference. “We know them very well, and we will elect someone who can truly help us,” he said.

The Roman Catholic Church holds a significant influence in the region, followed by the Anglican Church and various Pentecostal sects. The Catholic community’s influence was underscored recently when the Archbishop of Gulu criticized politicians in Nebbi for their selfishness, a statement that received enthusiastic support from the public.

Additionally, President Yoweri Museveni’s comments at a recent event in Nebbi highlighted the issue of candidate imposition, a practice that he criticized as deeply ingrained in local politics. His remarks sparked mixed reactions from the electorate, with many agreeing that the problem needed to be addressed.

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