FROM 26 TO 70: OBOKE-THE MAN WHO SITS ON THE VILLAGE THRONE FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS BEFORE HIS DEFEAT IN LC 1 RACE

FROM 26 TO 70: OBOKE-THE MAN WHO LED HIS VILLAGE FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS BEFORE HIS DEFEAT IN LC 1 RACE 

How integrity, community service and trust kept Oboke in power for nearly four decades

Lira City, Uganda — At just 26 years old, when many young Ugandans were still searching for their place in society, Oboke Delkano  had already earned the confidence of his community.

In 1986, the people of Kakoge A elected him as their Local Council (LC) Secretary, marking the beginning of a political journey that would last nearly 40 years. Following the National Resistance Movement's takeover of power under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Oboke later became a (RC) leader of Kakoge A and went on to serve generation after generation.

Today, at almost 70 years old, the veteran grassroots leader is no longer in office after losing the latest Local Council elections. But instead of expressing bitterness, he speaks with gratitude, pride and valuable lessons about leadership.

"Leadership is not about occupying a seat forever. It is about serving people honestly. That is why they kept electing me for almost four decades," Oboke told this publication.

For years, Oboke became a familiar face in Kakoge in Lira City West Division and among supporters of UPC, championing government programmes, mobilising residents for development activities and working closely with security agencies to maintain peace.

He says he also dedicated much of his leadership to protecting the rights of women, helping vulnerable families and resolving community disputes before they escalated.

"Whenever there was a problem in the village, people came to me first. I believed every leader must listen before making decisions," he said.

Although Oboke  Delkano  has remained a loyal supporter of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC), he openly praises President Museveni for creating an environment in which local leaders could work closely with government to deliver services.

"Politics should never stop us from appreciating good leadership. I served under President Museveni's government, and many programmes benefited our community," he explained.

One of the memorable moments of his leadership came when the President donated iron sheets to Local Council leaders in the then Lira Municipality. Instead of selling or misusing the support, Oboke invested the materials in constructing rental houses.

Today, the buildings continue to provide him with a steady source of income.

"I wanted something that would continue supporting my family even after I left office. Those houses are now my retirement investment," he said with a smile.

Oboke also attributes his long political survival to his uncompromising stand against corruption.

He says he never demanded money for public services and always recommended qualified young people whenever employment opportunities became available.

"Corruption destroys trust. Once people lose confidence in you, leadership becomes impossible," he said.

Residents who have known Oboke for decades describe him as a calm, approachable and development-minded leader whose door was always open to the community.

Sitting on the Left Side ( Delkano Oboke ) Group Photo Taken in 1986 after assuming office as General Secretary in LC One Office

"Whether you agreed with him politically or not, he treated everyone equally and worked for the people," said one longtime resident of Kakoge.

However, every political journey eventually comes to an end.

In the recently concluded Local Council elections, Oboke lost his seat, bringing an end to one of the longest-serving grassroots leadership careers in the area. The defeat denied him the chance to complete a full 40 years in office.

Despite the loss, he says he has accepted the people's decision and believes leadership must always respect the will of voters.

"The people gave me the opportunity to serve, and the same people have chosen another leader. I respect their decision and wish my successor the very best," he said.

As Uganda continues to encourage accountability and democratic transitions at every level of government, Oboke's story stands as a reminder that lasting leadership is built on integrity, humility and public service—not simply the length of time spent in office.

For the people of Kakoge A, Oboke may no longer hold the title of Local Council leader, but after nearly four decades of service, many believe his legacy will remain part of the community's history for generations.