By Christopher Nyeko
Gulu: The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party special presidential envoy in Northern Uganda, Christopher Acire, has appealed to Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany to contest on the FDC ticket if he wants to win the election.
Lt. Gen. Otema is currently carrying out consultations to contest for the Member of Parliament representing Bardege-Layibi Constituency.
Acire, who also doubles as FDC-Party Chairperson for Gulu City, is optimistic that their opposition party will take over power from the ruling National Resistance Movement party in the forthcoming general election in 2026.
According to Acire, people like Gen. Otema will help stir their government, noticing that Otema, being an experienced army general who is serving the current government, can be appointed as Minister for Security once FDC takes over power.
Acire flunked with some FDC leaders on Saturday, 6th were addressing the media during their regional leaders meeting held at the Global Friendship Hotel in Gulu City.
According to Acire, the FDC during the 2021 general election got disappointed with Hon. Ojara Martin Mapenduzi, the current member of parliament representing Bardege-Layibi division, who was believed to be the sole candidate for the FDC party, but he went and contested under the independence ticket.
Something he says frustrated the party, prompting them to front Oyat Wilson Chaga to contest under the FDC ticket as their last option.
However, when interviewed by this ugreports.co.ug on Monday about the FDC calls, Lt. Gen. Otema responded that contesting under the FDC party ticket is impossible, noting that he is a loyal NRM cadre, but he says he can work with the opposition.
Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany is currently conducting consultations and seeking to become an area member of parliament representing Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City, in the 2026–2031 general elections.
‘’I have embarked on the consultation, seeking people’s views if they accept me to lead them before I can officially apply for early retirement from service,’’ the serving army officer said.
During his consultation, Otema said his leadership would focus on poverty alleviation by encouraging people to use their land productively, service delivery, and lobbying friends to set up more factories in Gulu City to create job opportunities for youth in a bid to enhance the social and economic status of the Acholi people, who have been ranked by UBOS as the poorest community in Uganda.
Do you have a story about your community or an opinion to share with us? Email us at theugreports@gmail.com.
