Berocan officially joins NRM race for Jonam County Seat

Pakwach: Epiphany Berocan, a respected Senior Economist in the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, has formally entered the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary race for the Jonam County parliamentary seat by securing his nomination form.

Berocan picked up the form from the NRM Electoral Commission Offices on Plot 13 Kyadondo Road, Kampala, marking a significant milestone in his campaign. The nomination window, which opened on June 2 and runs through June 15, has attracted a growing field of candidates eyeing the ruling party’s flag ahead of the NRM primaries set for July 16, 2025.

“This action demonstrates to the people of Jonam and skeptics alike that I am fully committed to leading Jonam County. The time for transformative leadership is now,” Berocan declared upon receiving his nomination form.

Berocan’s campaign is already gaining traction across the constituency, with strong grassroots mobilization efforts. His platform focuses on enhancing social services, including the establishment of a district hospital, addressing grievances from the fishing communities over restrictions imposed by the Fisheries Protection Unit, and accelerating infrastructure and poverty reduction programs.

The Jonam County NRM primary is shaping up to be a hotly contested race, with Berocan facing formidable rivals, including Robert Steen Omito, the incumbent LC5 Chairperson, and Avola Kennedy, a lawyer and surveyor.

Berocan’s candidacy adds to the growing list of high-profile figures contesting in the 2025 NRM primaries across the country. These include Vice President Jessica Alupo (Katakwi Woman MP), Speaker of Parliament Anita Among (Bukedea Woman MP), Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa (Ruhinda North MP), and Dr. Patrick Wakida, a former opposition political analyst now running for Kabweri Constituency in Kibuku District.

Who is Bercocan?

Born on January 3, 1984, in Pajago Central Village, Wadelai Sub-county, Berocan is the son of retired catechist Ijino Okwong (Lwalo Clan – Pumit) and Mego Judita Nyivuru (Ragem Clan – Pawor). His early life was marked by economic hardship.

Expelled from Pakwach Senior Secondary School over unpaid fees of UGX 299,250, he nevertheless sat for his UCE exams as a private candidate at Panyango S.S., earning the only First Grade among 238 candidates.

With support from his maternal uncle Onen John Rubanga, he completed A’ Levels at Lakeside College Luzira, later securing a government scholarship to Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

Berocan’s academic journey continued abroad and at home with an MSc in Econometrics from the London School of Economics (2010–2011), government-funded, an MA in Economics at Makerere University (2011-2013), sponsored by the Ministry of Finance.

Berocan’s professional career is defined by public service and policy expertise. His work spans key national institutions including; Bank of Uganda where he worked as Research Assistant from 2007 to 2008, Uganda Revenue Authority where he worked as Customs Officer from 2008 to 2009 and at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development as Senior Economist from 2009 to present.

This experience gives him a deep understanding of Uganda’s economic and governance frameworks skills he now seeks to channel into transformative leadership for Jonam.

A manifesto of practical solutions

Berocan’s campaign platform is grounded in local needs and long-term impact. His priorities include; agriculture and food Security through completion of the Wadelai Irrigation Scheme to enhance farming productivity.

He also pledges for settlement of the Palango land dispute, a long-standing source of tension and disunity, advocating for modern fishing tools (e.g., fish cages) and fairer enforcement to restore access to Lake Albert and the Albert Nile both vital to Jonam’s economy.

Others are lobbying for the construction of a district hospital in Pakwach, expanding scholarships and scholastic aid, building on his support for Pakwach Secondary School, implementing poverty alleviation programs through vocational training and cooperative initiatives and strengthening support for traditional leaders and cultural heritage projects.

At the heart of his platform lies a commitment to transparency, accountability, and service-driven governance.

Political analysts point to Jonam’s unique challenges, particularly within the fishing sector. Tensions over the Fisheries Protection Unit’s enforcement practices have deeply impacted local livelihoods.

Berocan’s ability to offer clear, actionable solutions will be key to winning over this influential voting bloc and securing the NRM nomination.

With the NRM primaries approaching, Berocan’s dramatic return and rousing reception have reaffirmed his status as a unifying force. His blend of academic excellence, policy experience, and deep community roots positions him as a formidable contender one who resonates with both the aspirations and grievances of Jonam’s people.

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