Todwong Refuses to Apologize for NRM Candidates’ Losses
Story By Okello Patrick|NGUNAGULU.COM
NRM Secretary General Responds to Gulu Election Outcome
Richard Todwong, the Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has firmly stated that he will not apologize to any party candidate who lost in the recent elections. His remarks came during NRM victory celebrations in Gulu City over the weekend.
Okwonga’s Struggles in Gulu Mayoral Race
One of the significant losses that Todwong addressed was that of Alfred Okwonga, NRM’s candidate for the mayoral position in Gulu City. Okwonga, who lost to Julius Acire Labeja, an independent NRM-leaning candidate, had expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome. According to Todwong, Okwonga’s uncertainty about which position to contest was one of the main reasons for his defeat. He explained that Okwonga initially ran unopposed in the NRM primary elections but later requested to shift his candidacy from mayor to Member of Parliament. This request was, however, ignored.
Todwong further explained that he chose to support Labeja, who had previously served as his political assistant when he was appointed Minister without Portfolio in 2012. This decision, Todwong says, was based on Labeja’s track record and not personal bias.
Okwonga’s Discontent and Allegations of Internal Sabotage
Despite Todwong’s position, Okwonga was vocal about his discontent following the election. In a press conference on January 24, 2026, he accused NRM leaders, including Todwong, of not supporting him. Okwonga claimed that he had written to both the NRM Secretariat and the Electoral Commission requesting to step down from the race but was denied by both institutions.
Okwonga’s case was not unique. Several other NRM members in Gulu City openly supported independent and opposition candidates. Many argued that competence, rather than party affiliation, should guide their choices.
Legal Ramifications of Disloyalty
Lambert Akena Lamex, the NRM Administrative Assistant and Workers’ Representative to Gulu City Council, criticized this disloyalty. Speaking to NGUNAGULU.COM, he emphasized that it was illegal for any party member to support a candidate other than the official NRM flag bearer for the same position. This statement highlights the growing internal divide within the party.
In conclusion, Todwong’s stance reflects a larger issue within the NRM: the balance between party loyalty and individual political preferences. Whether this will have lasting consequences remains to be seen.
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