Former Uganda Media Centre (UMC) Executive Director, Ofwono Opondo has secured the ruling NRM party flag as the candidate for Older Persons’ Member of Parliament for Eastern Uganda ahead of the 2026 elections.
Opondo defeated State Minister for Older Persons Dominic Mafabi Gidudu in a closely contested race during the NRM special interest group elections held Monday at Kololo Independence Grounds. He polled 168 votes against Mafabi’s 122.
NRM Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, declared Opondo winner, noting he had “polled the highest number of votes.”
In his victory speech, Opondo vowed to amplify the voice of the NRM in Parliament and make older persons more visible in national debates.
“When I rise to speak, I will be recognized. I bring a national voice and access that cannot be ignored,” he said, faulting current representatives of older persons for being “invisible and inaudible.”
His Key Promises
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National Pension Reform: Review the pension scheme to ensure benefits keep pace with inflation.
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Senior Citizens Grant: Reduce eligibility age from 80 to 75, with a long-term goal of covering all Ugandans aged 60 and above.
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Improved Stipend: Raise the current shs 25,000 monthly allowance to a “realistic and dignified” figure.
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Policy Coalition: Work with MPs representing women, youth, PWDs, and workers to create a unified voting bloc that influences budgets and national priorities.
Opondo emphasized the need for deliberate political attention toward the elderly, arguing that Uganda’s 1.5 million citizens above 60 years can be supported with proper planning and targeting.
With over 26 years in public service, including 14 as government spokesperson, Opondo said he offers not just advocacy but experience, networks, and policy expertise.
“This isn’t about ambition; it’s about obligation. Parliament isn’t a place for lamenting. You must understand budgets, laws like the Public Finance Act, and present costed alternatives. Otherwise, you’ll always be told: ‘There is no money.’”
 Executive Director, Ofwono Opondo has secured the ruling NRM party flag as the candidate for Older Persons’ Member of Parliament for Eastern Uganda ahead of the 2026 elections.){kind=link}