Africa-Press – Uganda. Democratic Front (DF) parliamentary aspirant Samuel George Okello has outlined his vision for Laroo-Pece, emphasizing youth empowerment and poverty alleviation ahead of the January, 15 2026 general elections.
Speaking during the Laroo-Pece Parliamentary Debate hosted by NBS Television on Wednesday, Okello said, “I worked so hard to reach where I am right now. I have been through it all, I have seen it all. I know what it means to be an orphan and to grow up in poverty. My candidature is for the marginalized.”
Okello, a manager, consultant, and counsellor, said his professional background equips him to provide effective leadership in Parliament.
“I bring my candidature to the people to give me the mantle to go to Parliament. I’m here because I have the feeling sent by God to provide leadership,” he said.
Okello I dentified unemployment as the most pressing challenge facing Uganda.
“The government cannot provide employment for all the youth in this country. I think we as leaders can do something in the short term, medium term, and long term,” he said.
He also voiced concern over declining agricultural activity in rural communities, noting, “In the past, when you visited any homestead, you would find people cultivating their land. Right now, this is not happening. The leaders are leading our youth into reckless lives, and this was evident a few weeks ago.”
Okello is set to face off against Democratic Party President and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao, Simon Opoka of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Tony Kitara of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), independent candidate Charles Odokonyero and incumbent Rev. Fr. Charles Onen, who is running as an independent amongst others.
Fr. Charles Onen first entered Parliament in 2021 after defeating five contenders to become the pioneer MP for the newly created Laroo-Pece constituency. Onen had been granted a five-year leave by Gulu Catholic Archdiocese in October 2020 to participate in active politics.
The 2021 contest followed the elevation of Gulu Municipality to city status, which created the Laroo-Pece and Bar-Dege-Layibi constituencies.
As the election approaches, Okello positions himself as a candidate dedicated to representing marginalized communities, tackling unemployment, and fostering community development, seeking to leverage his personal and professional experience to make a tangible impact in Laroo-Pece.
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