Kole North MP Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti Joins NRM Ahead of 2026 Elections

Kole – Kole North Member of Parliament, Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, has officially joined the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), confirming he will seek re-election on the party’s ticket in the 2026 general elections.

Dr. Opio, who was elected to Parliament in 2021 as an independent candidate, made the announcement during a press briefing held at the NRM office in Aboke Town on Monday. He cited the party's leadership and commitment to development as key reasons for his decision to align himself with the NRM.

“I am pleased to announce that I will be contesting under the NRM flag in the next elections,” Dr. Opio declared. “This decision comes after deep reflection on the progress our government is making under the NRM and the development it continues to deliver to the people of Kole and Uganda at large.”

He commended the NRM leadership for its visionary development agenda, emphasizing the importance of aligning with a party that, according to him, is delivering tangible results. Dr. Opio highlighted several projects already underway or recently completed in Kole district as evidence of the NRM’s positive impact.

“These include the tarmacking of the Lira-Kamdini road, which has improved transport and market access for farmers and traders, and the ongoing construction of Akii-Bua Stadium which will boost sports and tourism in Lango Sub-region,” he said.

He also applauded the government for its investments in the health sector within the district, noting that health centers have been constructed or upgraded and that Kole has recently received ambulances to support emergency medical care.

According to Dr. Opio, these initiatives reflect the NRM’s responsiveness to community needs and long-term vision for inclusive development. He urged his constituents to remain united and focused on supporting leadership that prioritizes service delivery.

“The people of Kole deserve development, and I believe working with the NRM will give me the platform to better serve and advocate for more services,” he said.

His defection is being viewed by political analysts as a significant move that could influence the political landscape in Kole North constituency. Having won in 2021 as an independent, Dr. Opio is seen as a popular figure with strong grassroots support.

Local NRM leaders welcomed Dr. Opio’s decision, describing it as a vote of confidence in the party. “We are happy to receive Dr. Opio into the NRM family. He is a hardworking leader, and we look forward to working with him to continue bringing services to our people,” said one official from the Aboke NRM office.

As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, more political realignments are expected, with the ruling NRM aiming to consolidate its support in northern Uganda, a region that has increasingly played a critical role in shaping national politics.

With Dr. Opio now on the NRM ticket, the Kole North race is set to become one of the most closely watched contests in the Lango Sub-region.