Uganda Media Centre (UMC) Executive Director Mr. Ofwono Opondo has formally informed President Museveni of his intention to resign from his role as he prepares to contest for a parliamentary seat.
Opondo, who has served as the government’s spokesperson and a key figure in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for over two decades, now plans to enter elective politics. He revealed during a political talk show on Capital FM that he has been quietly consulting within the NRM and among personal networks, indicating a well-thought-out transition.
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“I’ve served for 26 years as the spokesperson for the NRM, presidential task forces, and government. I believe that’s long enough,” he said. “This Thursday, I officially wrote to the president, indicating my intention to conclude my tenure in the next three months. But I may bring that forward as I plan to submit my resignation on the 28th.”
Opondo, 61, is seeking to represent the elderly in Eastern Uganda and is targeting the seat currently held by Minister of State for the Elderly, Mr. Dominic Gidudu Mafabi. Despite previously criticizing Parliament for what he described as excessive spending and lack of competence among some legislators, Opondo believes he can bring change from within.
“I’ve received strong backing from colleagues in the NRM, Cabinet, and even some opposition figures. People are already contributing financially to support my campaign,” he noted.
Opondo, a veteran journalist, was appointed executive director of the Uganda Media Centre on July 1, 2013, replacing Mr. Fred Opolot. Before that, he served as Director of Information and Public Relations at the NRM Secretariat from 2002 and as NRM Spokesperson from 2003. He was also the spokesperson for President Museveni’s election task forces from 2001 to 2016, succeeding Ms. Winnie Byanyima in key communication roles.
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