By Nathan Eyagu 

SOROTI CITY- The political atmosphere in Soroti City East is heating up as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) gears up for its internal primaries scheduled for 17th July 2025. Among the contenders, Ekutelek John Junior Okwii has quickly risen as a key figure to watch, commanding attention across the constituency through his grassroots-driven campaign and practical, people-centered vision.

Soroti City, one of Uganda’s newly elevated cities, holds great promise—but it also faces numerous challenges in infrastructure, service delivery, and youth empowerment. Ekutelek’s campaign is tapping into the aspirations of the people who want more than political promises—they want visible transformation.

Ekutelek brings a wealth of experience from local government leadership, where he earned a solid reputation for accountability, accessibility, and effective community engagement. His deep understanding of public service and commitment to inclusive governance form the foundation of his vision for Soroti City East.

Currently participating in joint NRM rallies with fellow aspirants, Ekutelek continues to draw large crowds and inspire confidence. His speeches are marked by sincerity and focus, especially on issues that directly impact everyday citizens. “This city may be new, but our problems are not. It’s time for a new voice, new energy, and real action,” he says.

At the heart of his campaign are different key pillars: healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and infrastructural development and others.

In health, Ekutelek envisions a future where every resident—regardless of income or status—can access quality and affordable care. He plans to advocate for better-equipped health facilities, increased medical staff, timely delivery of drugs, and community health outreaches to serve even the most remote areas of the city.

In education, he believes that empowering the next generation begins in the classroom. He is committed to lobbying for increased funding for public schools, better remuneration for teachers, access to scholastic materials, and the promotion of vocational training to equip youth with practical skills that can lead to employment and innovation.

Ekutelek is particularly passionate about youth empowerment, recognizing that young people are the backbone of Soroti City East. He pledges to champion programs that promote entrepreneurship, support youth SACCOs, create job linkages, and ensure the youth have a voice in key policy discussions affecting their lives.

A key element of his agenda, especially in light of Soroti’s recent elevation to city status, is infrastructural development. He aims to prioritize roads, drainage systems, and public utilities, which are critical for growth. “We cannot call ourselves a city if our roads are impassable, our markets are disorganized, and our neighborhoods lack basic amenities,” he stated at a recent community rally.

But beyond development, Ekutelek is positioning himself as a voice for the voiceless. He consistently highlights the plight of the vulnerable—widows, the elderly, youth, market vendors, and people living in informal settlements. His approach is not about high-level rhetoric but about advocating for real, visible change and bringing government services closer to the people. This includes pushing for mobile service centers, better access to government programs, and regular community dialogues to ensure leaders remain accountable to their constituents.

As the July 17th primaries approach, Ekutelek continues to emphasize peaceful engagement, unity within the party, and respectful competition. “Let’s show Uganda that Soroti City East can lead by example—by putting people first,” he said during a recent rally.

Whether he wins or not, one thing is clear: Ekutelek John Junior Okwii has ignited a powerful conversation about leadership, development, and accountability in Soroti City East.

And if the people’s voices are heard, that conversation could turn into a powerful movement.