*BY PATRICK EBONG*
As the highly anticipated 2026 general elections approach in Uganda, the political landscape is abuzz with excitement and fervor. Communities nationwide prepare to engage in an electoral process that promises to reflect their aspirations and address their most pressing needs.
Among the areas witnessing a surge of political activity is Oyam South, where fresh faces and seasoned politicians alike are vying to take up the mantle of leadership, each bringing distinctive perspectives and ambitions to the forefront.
Among those with a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and experienced leadership skills is Dr Richard Manday Odongo aspiring for the Oyam South Parliamentary seat under the Uganda People’s Congress UPC party.
He will have to compete with other aspirants in the UPC primary election before he can win and become the party’s flag bearer for the general election of 2026.
Dr Odongo has a strong passion for improving the lives and live-hood of his people of Oyam South constituency in the 12th parliament. He hopes to achieve this by addressing their concerns and pushing for policies that enhance development across all.
Dr Odongo, a pharmacist, pharmacy technician and currently working at the Ministry of health, Arua Regional Referral Hospital as deputy head of dispensing is confident that given his background in the field of Education as a professional teacher and pharmacy, he wants to champion better healthcare systems, access to medicines, and education reforms in his constituency.
With his leadership skill as Chairperson of Lango Community in West Nile and experience in regional health institutions leadership anchored his dedicated and strong commitment to community welfare, social needs and infrastructure development and hopes to expand on this to a national level.
Once given the mandate by the people of Oyam South to lead them, Dr Odongo as a true carrier of the voice of the local people based on their dying needs.
He will advocate for opportunities in youth employment, economic empowerment, and empowering business ventures, ensuring their owners are charged low taxes in order to save their profits to develop their businesses.
“My journey from education to healthcare and leadership roles demonstrates a desire to inspire and uplift my Oyam South people through effective representation of their true voice. I am an experienced, I was the youth chairperson in 2011 and I was part of an integral team that elected the then youth MP Evelyne Anita from West Nile and was part of the central youth executive,” Dr Odongo told Daily Monitor.
“As a professional secondary school teacher; I worked in Oyam South from 2003 to 2015 in 5 schools and have vast experience in identifying the dying needs, social services lacking, life challenges and the leadership gaps the people of Oyam South face more than any other contestants in this 12th Parliamentary race,” he added.
*Who is Dr Richard Odongo Manday*
Dr Odongo was born on August 06, 1982, in Agungu Arac village, Atek parish in Minakulu Sub-county, Oyam South, Oyam District. He is a married man, a responsible parent with children.
He has a Bachelor in Pharmacy of Makerere University, Diploma in Pharmacy from Gulu University and Diploma in Education from Kyambogo University.
Dr Odongo is currently employed by the Ministry of Health at Arua regional referral hospital as a Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, and Deputy Head of Pharmacy Services.
He is also a lecturer (Pharmacy Department) at Arua Institute of Health Sciences.
He is the Chairman of Lango Community West Nile (WENILAC).
