Kumakech launches campaign after declaring bid for 2026 Okoro County MP Seat

Zombo: Sam Kumakech, the former Director of Youth Affairs, Sports, and Information in Alur Kingdom, and the Executive Director of Smart Sams Service Foundation Uganda, has officially declared his bid for the Okoro County MP seat in the 2026 elections.

Kumakech aims to unseat the incumbent MP, Gabriel Okumu, in a race that is expected to be highly competitive.

He launched his campaign on March 8, 2025, at Dwonga Ward, Paidha Town Council, in an event attended by hundreds of supporters from Zombo District.

His announcement comes at a time when political aspirations are intensifying, with various candidates gearing up for the 2026 general elections.

A staunch supporter of the NRM party, Kumakech assured his supporters that he possesses all the qualifications required for leadership.

“The time is now. I have all the qualifications needed. To everyone gathered here, I want to say thank you so much,” he said.

He further emphasized that his campaign will be based on unity and accountability.

After losing the 2021 NRM primary elections for the LCIII seat of Paidha Town Council, Kumakech remained active in community service.

His contributions included; mobilizing resources to repair footbridges and community access roads, fundraising for churches and supporting healthcare facilities with medical equipment and organizing sports events for the youth.

Many political aspirants in Okoro County are currently engaged in mobilization and consultations as they prepare for the 2026 elections.

Kumakech enters a political arena deeply rooted in commercialization, where financial influence often dictates electoral outcomes.

His mother, Night Nyirac, who spoke at the launch event, urged for political maturity and discouraged the commercialization of politics.

When asked why he is contesting, Kumakech said: “As a youth, I trust my leadership ability. People asking me whether I will contest in 2026 should observe my community involvement since 2021. I have been setting up structures from village to village across Okoro County.”

He added: “We have tangible work that we can point to in each thematic area. Our leadership preparation started long ago, and the public will judge us based on our work.”

A shift in Uganda’s political landscape?

The increasing participation of youth in politics has caught the attention of many analysts. The 2021 elections saw an unprecedented number of young candidates, signaling a shift in Uganda’s political landscape.

In Greater Nebbi, which includes Pakwach, Nebbi, Zombo, and Nebbi Municipality, more young people are stepping forward to contest, challenging seasoned politicians.

Many youth argue that they have lost trust in the older generation of leaders due to unfulfilled promises and poor service delivery.

With youth comprising over 70% of Uganda’s population, their growing involvement in leadership could reshape the country’s future.

The Battle for Okoro County MP Seat

Several candidates have emerged in the Okoro County MP race, making the 2026 election highly competitive.

Sneak peak in Okoro county race

Onega Innocent Godfred

The 53 year old aspirant,  is the current LCIII chairperson of Paidha Town Council. He  has been at the helm of the leadership of Paidha Town Council in Zombo for many years now.

Onega is riding on the notion that he is tired of ” repeating classes ”,  meaning he has done enough at the rank of Local Council III chairperson position.

Onega, a staunch NRM Party mobilizer, is coming on independent ticket, citing personal reasons.

” I’m going to contest as the member of Parliament for Okoro constituency in the 2026 election,  and I have to be clear on that,” Onega said.

Sam Rwothomio

The young political activist in a conversation with this Publication  showed interest in rubbing shoulders with the bigwigs. He is eyeing the big M.P. seat for the Okoro constituency.

Rwothomio is commonly known by Youths in the District. He runs a powerful wasup group called the ” Zombo Mwa Forum”, where in most cases leaders are put to tasks by electorates on the issue of service delivery.

Remarkably, He became a household name when he championed the idea of a peaceful demonstration about sorry state of the 119 km Nebbi-Paidha Zeu-Warr-Vura road, which by then its condition was more deplorable given the pounding rain the region was experiencing.

He on many occasions escaped arrest as he was dimmed by authorities as a

”Rebel” just because of that demonstration that was highly monitored by the security.

On the issue of age, He said “Positions of leadership should be occupied by the right person for the role regardless of age”

Sunday Omirambe

Sunday Omirambe is a Pastor. He is from Jang Okoro Sub-county and currently pursuing a course in journalism and mass communication at UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication Arua City Campus.

Omirambe commonly known as “Jange”, is the Chief Executive Officer of Dikiri ber company based in Arua City.

In an interview,  He said ” I’m planning to contest as a member of Parliament for Okoro constituency and that is what I’m going to do, I think we can turn things around”

Okumu Gabriel

He is currently the Member of Parliament for Okoro constituency. The businessman has his strong grass root structure doing his mobilization.

Okumu’s name is deeply rooted amongst the church and mosque faithfuls. This is because of his generous contribution.

His electorates in the past months have been vociferous about his absenteeism within the constituency.

In 2021, Okumu had an easier ride to Parliament after getting through the NRM primaries and finally in the general election. This Publication has learnt the 2026 polls are coming differently with many people expressing interest in unseating him.

He has strong financial muscle and with the current trends in the commercialization of politics, his comeback can’t be ruled out by the stroke of a pen.

Denis Orera

He is a teacher by profession. He is currently doing his political mobilization in different parts of Okoro County.

Elders blessed Sam Kumakech after MP seat launch at Dwonga ward, Paidha town council, Zombo District on March 8, 2025.

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