Excitement as NRM Tribunal Upholds Election of Patrick Ongom Aregedyang as Erute North MP Flagbearer

LIRA DISTRICT — Jubilations erupted among National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters in Erute North as the party’s electoral tribunal officially upheld the election of Patrick Ongom Aregedyang as the duly elected NRM flagbearer for the Erute North parliamentary seat.

The tribunal on Thursday this week, dismissed an electoral petition filed by incumbent Christine Akello and Maj. (Rtd) Emmanuel Opio, both of whom had contested the legitimacy of Ongom’s victory during the party primaries.

In its ruling, the tribunal stated that the evidence presented by the petitioners  lacked merit to overturn the election outcome. It concluded that the election had been free, fair, and in accordance with NRM’s electoral guidelines.

 "All claims seeking to annul the victory of Patrick Ongom Aregedyang have no basis. The tribunal hereby declares him the duly elected NRM candidate for Erute North constituency," the tribunal announced.

The decision was met with celebrations across Erute North, with supporters hailing the tribunal for what they described as a “fair and just” verdict. 

Geoffrey Odongo, a resident of Agweng Town Council, expressed gratitude:

 “We thank the tribunal for their wise decision. As NRM supporters, we overwhelmingly voted for Patrick Ongom. This ruling affirms our choice, and we are confident he will win in the general election.”

Speaking shortly after the announcement, **Patrick Ongom Aregedyang**, visibly elated, praised God for the outcome and thanked his supporters for their unwavering confidence in him.

> “I thank the Almighty for guiding us through this challenge. As a loyal NRM cadre, I extend a hand to my fellow party members who did not make it through the primaries. It’s time to come together and work as one team to deliver a decisive victory for the NRM in Erute North,” he stated.

He further emphasized his commitment to grassroots mobilization and promised an inclusive campaign that prioritizes unity, service delivery, and NRM’s core values.

Background and Outlook

The Erute North constituency, located in Lira District, is seen as a strategic seat in the Lango sub-region. The NRM primaries attracted multiple candidates, making the contest particularly competitive. Ongom's emergence as the flagbearer signals a generational shift, with many supporters referring to him as the "fresh blood" needed to reinvigorate local politics.

With the tribunal’s ruling now clearing the way, Ongom is set to intensify his campaign ahead of the upcoming general elections, where he will face contenders from other political parties.

Local observers say the tribunal’s verdict not only reinforces internal party democracy within the NRM but also strengthens the party’s position in the region.