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As the general elections approach in Padyere Constituency, Nebbi district, the contest for the parliamentary seat has narrowed to two main contenders.
Joshua Anywarach (Independent), Isaac Ismail Otimgiw of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and Denis Olyeko, who leans toward the Patriotic League (PLU), are contesting the seat. Their campaigns focus on priorities such as improving health service delivery, promoting income-generating activities to support household livelihoods, and advancing development-related issues in parliament.
Joshua Anywarach contesting for Padyere parliamentary.
However, the heated race has also heightened tensions on the ground, with supporters of both Anywarach and Otimgiw increasingly divided. Residents say the rivalry has, at times, strained relations within the community as campaign activities intensify ahead of the elections. The community remains largely split, with supporters actively campaigning to ensure their candidate emerges victorious.
Several voters have expressed concern over the sharp rise in tensions since the campaign started on November 25, 2025, calling for calm and peaceful elections scheduled for January 15, 2025.
All three candidates enjoy notable community support, making the race highly competitive. However, as the election date approaches, the contest appears to be increasingly narrowing to Anywarach and Otimgiw.
Anyarach said that before he lost the election in 2021, he supported education in all 13 sub-counties through the distribution of books and solar panels. He also advocated for improved health services and better hospital facilities. He promised to continue supporting these initiatives if re-elected.
“I have worked to support education, improve water and sanitation, and distribute solar panels, and I promise to do even better,” Anywarach said.
According to Otimgiw, among his achievements as the incumbent is improving the health sector. He says he has distributed medicine to over 1,000 residents and has pledged to upgrade the local health centre and water facilities.
“I have provided medicine to more than 1,000 residents, and I am committed to continuing the efforts to improve service delivery in Padyere,” Otimgiw said.
Otimgiw Isaac Ismail, Padyere County Nebbi (NRM).
Olyeko, whose campaign symbol is a pot, explained that among the Alur communities, the pot represents cooking and feeding families, symbolising care, provision, and support for the community. He said that if elected, he will actively advocate for development, create opportunities, and ensure access to essential services for the people of Padyere.
He said he will effectively represent Padyere, provide oversight, and act as a crucial link between the constituency and government by raising local issues, scrutinising public spending, and ensuring that government programmes serve the public.
Referring to his symbol, Olyeko said a pot is a common household item, reflecting that he is close to the people, practical, and understands everyday struggles. He notes that a pot also represents unity and togetherness, and he aims to bring people together through his leadership.
“I am the only candidate who can represent your issues in Parliament. The other candidates have served for 10 years and five years respectively, yet there is no tangible difference or improvement in the livelihoods of the people of Padyere,” Olyeko said.