Africa-Press – Uganda. Thousands of supporters thronged Aloet Ward today to witness the official manifesto launch of Rodney Mukula Akongel, an independent candidate in the Soroti City East parliamentary seat. Known for his campaign slogan, “All for one, one for all,” Akongel’s manifesto emphasizes economic empowerment, social service delivery, and good governance, aiming to transform the lives of his constituents and elevate them from poverty.
Born on August 27, 1985, Akongel is the youngest son of three children to Flight Captain George Mike Mukula, former Soroti Municipality MP (1996 to 2016) and long-serving stalwarts of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Despite his father’s deep-rooted ties to the ruling party, Akongel has opted to chart his own political course as an independent candidate, citing that he is not comfortable with the process of determining flag bearers, and is a eeking to be judged on merit and vision rather than political affiliations.
“If you were to put yourself in my shoes, what would you do? My father was the national vice chairperson of the NRM party Eastern region, and if I were to win the flag, what would my opponents and critics say? And if I were to miss the flag, what would they say? I guess they would say, I was supported by my father or if it’s to lose, they would say, the son is not popular,” he said.
During the launch, Akongel, a lawyer by profession and businessman by occupation, presented his manifesto, highlighting his commitment to economic empowerment, social service improvements, and accountable governance. His message resonated with the large turnout, which included community leaders, political supporters, and cultural figures.
“I am against the commercialisation of politics and in my tenure as a politician, I want to empower the electorate to live sustainably,” he said.
Several notable personalities addressed the crowd in support of Akongel. Valentine Goma, female councilor of Aloet Ward, urged voters to unite behind his candidacy, stressing the importance of solidarity in achieving development.
Isaac Elakuna, former Speaker of Soroti City Council, highlighted Akongel’s extensive network and capacity to effectively lobby for the city’s development. His endorsement was echoed by John Junior Ekutelek, chairman of the general-purpose committee and former NRM aspirant for the Soroti City East seat, who encouraged residents to rally behind Akongel for the betterment of the division.
The event also featured performances by popular Teso musicians and comedians, including Rody Gavana and General Fiterman, who entertained the crowd and expressed massive support for Akongel’s parliamentary bid.
Addressing the audience, Akongel emphasized the need to fight the commercialization of politics and focus on empowering citizens through sustainable initiatives. He pledged to implement programs that foster self-reliance, equitable access to essential services, and accountable leadership in Soroti City East.
Often donned in a white shirt and black trousers in his public appearances, many,
including his political rivals, were left in disbelief, questioning why the son of the region’s top-most NRM mobilisers abandoned and deviated from his father’s party to run for the parliamentary seat under an independent ticket, leaving questions surrounding the party’s dominance within the Teso-sub region.
The Soroti City East parliamentary race is shaping up to be competitive, with Pascal Amuriat of the Democratic Front (DF), Isaac Orego of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), James Herbert Elaju on an independent ticket, Martine Ernest Abilu, independent and Moses Attan of the Forum for Democrat Change (FDC). The Member of Parliament elections are scheduled for 15th January 2025, according to the Electoral Commission (EC) roadmap.
Mukula has since described his son’s ambitions as a positive gesture for development.
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