By Nathan Eyagu

Soroti City — The political landscape of Soroti City East continues to evolve as youthful leader John Junior Ekutelek, a serving Soroti City Youth Councilor and former NRM parliamentary aspirant, officially declared his support for Rodney Mukula Akongel, an independent candidate in the upcoming 2026–2031 parliamentary race.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at Timisha Hotel in Soroti City, drawing journalists, supporters, and political observers eager to witness the unfolding alliance between the two youthful figures. The endorsement marks a significant shift in the Soroti City East political space, signaling unity among young leaders ahead of the 2026 general elections.

In his remarks, Rodney Mukula Akongel confirmed his official nomination to contest for the Soroti City East Division parliamentary seat, pledging to run a campaign grounded in unity, good governance, and service to the people.

“I have been duly nominated to contest for the position of Member of Parliament for Soroti City East Division for the term 2026–2031,” Mukula announced. “Today is not about me but about the people of Soroti City East. After wide consultations with stakeholders and our campaign task force, we have added another strong pillar to our candidature—Mr. John Jr. Ekutelek.”

Mukula praised Ekutelek for his political maturity and deep understanding of the city’s grassroots dynamics, describing him as “a force to reckon with, especially in the traditional municipality wards of Moruapesur, Kengere, Akisim, and Central.”

“Two heads are better than one,” Mukula added. “We have chosen to put aside our differences and come together for the greater good of the people of Soroti City East.”

He emphasized that the partnership represents a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose—one that prioritizes the needs of citizens over political affiliations.

On his part, John Jr. Ekutelek, who contested in the NRM primaries but lost to Isaac Orego, explained that his decision to support Mukula came after deep reflection and extensive consultations with community elders, youth, women, and opinion leaders.

“I sit before you not as a victim of an unfair process but as a firm believer in the enduring voice of the people,” he stated. “The recent NRM primaries may not have reflected the genuine will of the people, but that voice remains alive and cannot be ignored.”

Ekutelek revealed that although he had filed a petition challenging the outcome of the primaries, he later withdrew it in the spirit of unity and reconciliation.

“Politics should never end with an individual. We must build bridges that connect and empower all of us,” he said. “Rodney Mukula represents the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and progress that our people deserve. He is deeply rooted in the NRM ideology, and I believe together we can deliver meaningful change for Soroti City East.”

Ekutelek also appealed to his supporters to rally behind Mukula, stressing that leadership should go beyond party lines to focus on development and the well-being of citizens.

Both leaders underscored the need for peaceful politics and teamwork among candidates from different political backgrounds. They urged the people of Soroti City East to choose leaders who prioritize unity, service delivery, and community development.

“In Teso, we must learn to work together and avoid unnecessary divisions,” Ekutelek said. “Let the people decide, but let that decision be guided by the spirit of development and fairness.”

Their partnership is being viewed as a major development that could alter the dynamics of the Soroti City East parliamentary race. Political analysts say the endorsement adds momentum to Mukula’s campaign and sends a strong message of collaboration and generational leadership renewal.