Shift Media News 
KYADONDO, KAMPALA June 17, 2025 | SHIFTMEDIA|— The yellow tide rolled into Kyadondo Road with chants, drums, Vuvuzellas, and passion. On this tense Tuesday morning, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) kicked off its nominations ahead of the July 16 party primaries, and the atmosphere outside the NRM Electoral Commission offices in Kampala was electric.
Beneath the sun, hundreds of hopefuls and their spirited supporters, wrapped in NRM’s signature yellow, waited anxiously. Each carried dreams of transforming communities—or holding onto power. The tight security and strict crowd control did little to dampen the enthusiasm. Among the notable faces of day one was a man unfamiliar with flashy politics but well-known for another kind of service: law enforcement.
The Cop Who Turned to the People
Former detective George Oketcho, once a quiet force in Uganda’s security circles, stepped into the political spotlight. Wearing a crisp blue suit, his yellow tie fluttering in the breeze, Oketcho was flanked by his wife, son, daughter, and an unrelenting cluster of supporters who managed to breach the “three-person escort rule”—a ”nod, perhaps, to his enduring ties with security forces.
It took Oketcho nearly six hours to complete the nomination process, a delay caused by a misplaced form. But he remained calm, mingling with supporters, shaking hands, and listening. When finally declared duly nominated around 5 p.m., the retired cop turned aspiring legislator raised his arms high, his eyes gleaming with determination.
He is now officially in the race to represent West Budama South Constituency in Parliament—a constituency long dominated by political heavyweights and, at times, controversy.
A District on Edge
Oketcho’s main rival is the incumbent, Dr. Emmanuel Otiam Otaala, a former State Minister for Health. Once a darling of the district, Dr. Otaala now faces a growing wave of discontent after a bitter fallout with Tororo District NRM Registrar Joseph Kadokech. Sources allege that following his loss to Richard Owere Machika in internal party elections, Otaala lashed out at Kadokech—an incident that reportedly left party supporters shaken and whispers of past violent outbursts resurfacing.
“He’s always had issues with managing defeat,” one elder in West Budama South remarked. “This time, people want a leader who listens, not one who intimidates.”
The People’s Candidate
Enter George Oketcho, a fresh face in politics but a familiar one in the community. With over two decades of service in the police force and now the CEO of Wolves Security Group Uganda—a company he founded that employs nearly 2,000 guards across the country—Oketcho brings to the race a unique blend of discipline, grassroots connection, and managerial experience.
“I know what it means to struggle,” he told journalists after his nomination. “Insecurity is not just about crime—it’s also about poverty, unemployment, and hopelessness. If elected, I will champion education for girls, vocational skills for youth, and real economic opportunities.”
He speaks often about the teenage pregnancy crisis and school dropout rates in the constituency, pledging to introduce bursary schemes and push for better school infrastructure. His message resonates particularly with young voters and women, many of whom feel forgotten by the political elite.
From Patrol to Policy
Making the shift from enforcing laws to making them is no small feat. Yet Oketcho believes his time in law enforcement—solving cases, de-escalating conflicts, and working across communities—has prepared him for this moment.
“Leadership is not shouting on podiums,” he said quietly. “It’s listening, serving, and acting. That’s what I’ve done my whole life.”
Analysts say his candidacy is more than symbolic. “Oketcho is pragmatic, grounded, and he’s built something from scratch,” notes political commentator Laban Oketch. “People see in him not just hope, but a mirror of their own lives—struggling, striving, and rising.”
The Road Ahead
West Budama South is no easy race. Fifteen candidates are vying for the parliamentary seat, with four of them under the NRM banner alone. Among the contenders are Solomon Oketcho and Onyango Emokol—each with their own bases of support and campaign machinery. But the main spotlight remains fixed on the brewing showdown between Dr. Otaala and George Oketcho—a race that reflects a broader battle between old-guard politics and fresh leadership.
Unlike some of his rivals, Oketcho is running a lean campaign—no big convoys or theatrical rallies. Instead, he is walking village to village, sitting in mud-walled homes, and holding evening chats under mango trees.
“People are tired of politicians who disappear after elections,” says Akello Sarah, a market vendor in Iyolwa. “This man stayed with us even before he had ambitions. That’s who we want.”
A Shift in the Air
Beyond the excitement of party colors and loudspeakers, a quiet revolution may be unfolding in West Budama South. It’s a story of transformation—from uniformed duty to civic leadership, from command to compassion. George Oketcho’s journey is not just about winning a seat in Parliament. It is about restoring faith in public service.
