Opondo Wins NRM Ticket
Veteran government communicator Ofwono Opondo has defeated State Minister for the Elderly Hon. Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu to clinch the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket for Eastern Region Older Persons MP. The vote was decided during the party’s Delegates Conference at Kololo, which gathered representatives from across the region.
Opondo, who previously served as Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, has campaigned on a seven-point programme for older persons, promising reforms in pensions, healthcare, and the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE). As a result, his platform gained traction among delegates seeking stronger policy commitments for seniors.
Allegations Against Gidudu
In the days leading up to the conference, allegations surfaced that Minister Gidudu attempted to secure loyalty through heavy spending. According to documents circulating among delegates, he was said to have booked accommodation in guest houses for groups of supporters and provided transport allowances. Some accounts even suggested cash handouts were given to certain delegates.
However, these claims have not been independently verified by this publication, and neither Gidudu nor his campaign team provided comment when contacted. Security sources indicated they were aware of unusual mobilization patterns, but no official confirmation has been issued regarding the specific allegations.
Reports of Youth Involvement
In addition, several delegates claimed that efforts were made to involve younger voters in the elderly constituency elections. Rival camps argued this was another sign of pressure within the minister’s campaign. Meanwhile, other delegates dismissed these reports as typical pre-conference speculation.
Reactions and Aftermath
Following his victory, Opondo thanked delegates for what he called “a vote for dignity and fairness for older persons.” He highlighted plans to press government on raising SAGE amounts above Shs150,000 and to improve access to healthcare for seniors.
Gidudu, who has served as State Minister for the Elderly, has previously pointed to initiatives such as moving SAGE payment points to health centres and introducing an “Elders’ Health Day.” Supporters note these contributions, though the election outcome indicates significant shifts within the NRM electoral college.
Looking Ahead
The NRM Delegates Conference is expected to shape party positioning ahead of the 2026 general elections. Consequently, Opondo’s victory is being read by analysts as both a personal triumph and a signal of grassroots sentiment in eastern Uganda.
The lingering question remains: will the allegations surrounding Gidudu’s campaign fade away after the vote, or continue to cast a shadow over internal party politics?
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