As Uganda prepares for the 2026 parliamentary elections, the race for the Pece-Laroo Division in Gulu City has become one of the most talked-about contests. The return of Norbert Mao, the president of the Democratic Party (DP), to local politics has caught the attention of many, but his opponents in the race are not intimidated. Despite Mao’s reputation as a seasoned politician and his recent nomination as the DP candidate, those vying for the seat are determined to face him head-on.
Mao’s surprise entry into the race has raised eyebrows, especially given his history as the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister. For many, his re-entry into local politics after years of focusing on national issues was unexpected. However, some of his rivals in the race are not fazed by his political stature or his eloquence. They insist that Mao’s past experience does not guarantee him victory in Pece-Laroo, where local issues and fresh ideas are paramount.
Tony Kitara, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, was clear in his stance during an interview with Uganda Radio Network. He expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Mao in the January 2026 elections, citing his leadership experience and understanding of the community’s needs. Kitara also voiced his displeasure with what he called Mao’s “blackmail” tactics and warned against any behind-the-scenes arrangements that might see the NRM candidate step down in favor of Mao. Such a move, Kitara stressed, would be detrimental to the NRM party.
While there is no official alliance between the NRM and the DP, the cooperation agreement between the two parties in 2022 has fueled speculation that Mao’s candidacy may benefit from the ruling party’s support. Kitara, however, remained resolute in his belief that Mao offers nothing new to the people of Laroo-Pece Division or Acholi as a whole, citing Mao’s previous tenure as a legislator and his time as Gulu District LCV Chairperson. According to Kitara, it is time for a fresh approach to leadership.
Caesar Lubangakene, an independent candidate and self-described political protégé of Mao, also voiced his concerns about Mao’s return to the political scene. Lubangakene sees Mao’s candidacy as a sign of the older generation’s disregard for the youth in politics. He argued that the continued dominance of seasoned politicians like Mao is a form of betrayal to the younger generation, who are increasingly frustrated by being sidelined in national leadership. Lubangakene, who is focused on empowering youth, believes that the future of Uganda lies in the hands of young leaders, not entrenched political figures.
Lubangakene’s comments reflect the growing disillusionment among the youth in Uganda, who feel their voices are often drowned out by older, more established politicians. He warned that this frustration could lead to unrest, as seen in neighboring countries where young people have taken to the streets demanding change. Lubangakene’s campaign focuses on offering practical solutions, such as mobile health clinics, community health insurance, and expanding savings initiatives for youth.
Despite these powerful voices, Mao has not yet fully engaged in active campaigning in the constituency. His team has not set any firm dates for constituency events, and it remains unclear when he will begin actively courting voters in Pece-Laroo. This delay has allowed his rivals to seize the initiative and put forward their visions for the community. While Mao’s experience and political stature are not in question, his late entry into the campaign has left some voters uncertain about his commitment to local issues.
Other candidates in the race include the incumbent independent candidate, Fr Charles Onen, UPC’s Simon Opoka, and Forum for Democratic Change’s Geoffrey Komakech. There are also independent candidates Wilfred Opobo and Edward Odong. Each of these contenders has made promises to address local concerns, from improving health services to economic empowerment, reflecting the broad range of issues facing Pece-Laroo and Acholi Subregion.
Kitara, for example, has outlined plans to change the mindset of the populace and promote financial independence among households and small businesses. One of his signature proposals is a savings scheme for boda boda riders, which he hopes will help save millions of shillings annually. Similarly, Lubangakene aims to improve healthcare access and expand youth savings schemes, ensuring that the community can become more economically self-sufficient.
As the race for the Pece-Laroo Division seat intensifies, it is clear that Norbert Mao’s return has not shaken the resolve of his opponents. While Mao’s supporters may still believe he offers the best chance for leadership, his rivals are confident that their fresh ideas and dedication to local issues will resonate with voters. With less than a year until the elections, the outcome remains uncertain, and the candidates are already sparking passionate debates about the future of Gulu City and the Acholi Subregion.
In the end, it will be the voters of Pece-Laroo who decide whether they want a new direction with fresh leadership or whether they prefer the familiar face of Mao, with his decades of experience in national politics. Regardless of the outcome, the race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and closely watched in the 2026 parliamentary elections.
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