Former Yumbe RDC Andama declares candidacy for Ayivu East Division MP Seat

Arua: Former Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Yumbe, Richard Andama, has officially joined the race for Member of Parliament for Ayivu East Division, bringing with him decades of experience in governance, cultural leadership, and grassroots mobilization.

Andama, currently the National Chairman of the Former RDCs, RCCs and Deputies Association (FORCA), is widely recognized for his instrumental role in shaping Ayivu Chiefdom, a cultural institution he helped form through the Ayivu Elders Association.

He has been hailed as a transformative leader, dubbed “The Good Shepherd” and credited with advancing socio-economic and cultural-political transformation across West Nile.

A son of the soil, Andama was anointed interim Prime Minister of the Ayivu Chiefdom in 2017 by elders from all Ayivu sub-counties, including Muzee Zakayo Onyolo, Muzee Awijua, and the late Hon. Angufiru Margaret. His leadership has stood firm despite multiple legal challenges to the chiefdom’s recognition, all of which were unsuccessful.

In politics, Andama previously contested in the 2015 NRM primaries for Ayivu County MP but cited electoral malpractice. His loyalty to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) saw him recruited into the party’s national task force and later appointed RDC Yumbe in 2018. As RDC, he chaired the West Nile Regional RDCs and co-led security cooperation with Yei River State, South Sudan.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Andama was lauded for managing Yumbe District, home to Africa’s largest refugee population. His effective strategies earned him international recognition, including a BBC feature.

He also championed environmental protection, particularly safeguarding Kei Forest Reserve, a stance that led to his politically-motivated removal in 2020 under unclear circumstances.

Aside from politics, Andama is a seasoned entrepreneur, policy consultant, and public speaker. A devout Catholic and active member of the pastoral council, he has contributed significantly to church development and youth empowerment initiatives.

Looking ahead, Andama views the Ayivu East MP seat as a stepping stone in his long-term vision aspiring for Uganda’s presidency. His announcement to run for the top seat was met with wide support from Ugandans at home and in the diaspora, highlighting his growing influence and appeal.

He now enters a competitive race against incumbent MP Hon. Feta, former minister Hon. Bakoko Zoe, Engineer Tiyo Odaa, Lawyer Ezra Nyakuezaibo, Godfrey Anguyo (independent), and Ayikobua of NUP.

While pledging clean and constructive politics, Andama urges voters to assess candidates based on their service delivery, vision, and ability to address real issues like education, youth unemployment, infrastructure, health care, and women’s empowerment areas he says have been neglected.

“Our politics must be grounded in ideology, not desperation. It’s time for leadership that delivers results, not rhetoric,” Andama stated.

As Ayivu East moves towards the 2025 NRM primaries and the 2026 general elections, Andama promises inclusive, issue-based leadership that unites the region and empowers its people.

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