Edward Chelengat Declares 2026 Parliamentary Bid for Bukwo District, Picks NRM Nomination Forms
Chelengat’s return to the political scene has been met with optimism from his supporters, who argue that his previous experience, community engagement, and results-driven leadership make him the ideal candidate to take Bukwo forward. Many believe that his clear vision, especially on lobbying for services and promoting economic self-sufficiency, reflects the kind of leadership needed to tackle the district’s ongoing challenges.
Edward Chelengat has officially declared his intention to contest in the upcoming 2026 general elections, signaling a return to active politics with a firm resolve to represent the people of Bukwo District. On Wednesday, June 5, Chelengat picked up his nomination forms from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, joining a growing list of aspirants seeking the party’s endorsement.
Speaking to journalists shortly after obtaining the forms, Chelengat expressed deep appreciation to the people of Bukwo for their continued trust and support. He cited a pressing need for strong and effective leadership in Parliament's upper house, stating that his candidacy is driven by a desire to close existing gaps in representation and advance the district’s development agenda.
"We have a big leadership gap in the upper house of Parliament. I intend to represent the people of Bukwo fairly through lobbying, coordinating with investors and government programs," Chelengat said. "NRM emphasizes household income, which programs should be marketed to the people, adapted and maintained."
Chelengat emphasized that his approach would focus on grassroots empowerment and sustainable economic growth, aligning with NRM’s strategic priority of increasing household incomes. He also pledged to work closely with investors and key government stakeholders to ensure that Bukwo residents benefit directly from national development programs.
Chelengat’s announcement comes at a critical juncture in Uganda’s political calendar. The NRM Electoral Commission officially opened the nomination window on Monday, launching a vital phase in the buildup to the 2026 general elections. Under the party’s guidelines, all aspirants are required to collect nomination forms, gather signatures and endorsements from registered NRM members within their constituencies, and submit completed documents by June 17.
This year’s nomination period has witnessed heightened political activity across the country. Hundreds of NRM faithful have declared interest in vying for various elective positions, from parliamentary seats to local government offices. The intensity of the nomination season is expected to increase in the coming weeks as party primaries and internal vetting processes begin.
Chelengat’s return to the political scene has been met with optimism from his supporters, who argue that his previous experience, community engagement, and results-driven leadership make him the ideal candidate to take Bukwo forward. Many believe that his clear vision, especially on lobbying for services and promoting economic self-sufficiency, reflects the kind of leadership needed to tackle the district’s ongoing challenges.
“We believe in Chelengat because he’s not just speaking — he has a track record of action,” said one of his supporters. “He understands our needs, especially in agriculture, youth employment, and access to health services.”
As the 2026 elections draw nearer, all eyes will be on candidates like Edward Chelengat who are positioning themselves as transformative leaders. His candidacy under the NRM banner is expected to attract significant attention both within Bukwo and across the Sebei sub-region.
If successful in securing the NRM ticket, Chelengat will face the broader electorate in 2026, hoping to secure a mandate that allows him to advocate effectively for Bukwo on the national stage.
