Media Personality and former Uganda Media Centre Executive Director,Ofwono Opondo, has won NRM flagbearer for the older persons’ member of Parliament for Eastern Uganda.
Opondo garnered 168 votes, defeating State Minister for Older Persons Dominic Mafabi Gidudu, who secured 122 votes.
NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, declared Opondo the winner.
Ofwono Opondo pledged to strengthen the NRM voice on the floor of parliament and to bring national visibility to older persons in Parliament, leveraging his experience and connections to navigate the political and policy landscape.
Opondo stressed that his mission is not driven by ambition but obligation. “You don’t walk into Parliament to lament. You must read budgets, understand the Public Finance Act, and offer costed alternatives,” he said. With over 26 years of public service experience, including 14 years as government spokesperson, Opondo is confident in his ability to effectively represent the interests of older persons in Parliament.
Opondo’s manifesto includes:
- Reviewing the national pension scheme to ensure benefits keep pace with inflation
- Reducing the Senior Citizens Grant eligibility age from 80 to 75, with a long-term goal of covering all citizens aged 60 and above
- Raising the current shs 25,000 monthly stipend to a “realistic and dignified” figure
- Building coalitions with MPs representing women, youth, persons with disabilities, and workers to form a unified voting bloc