Alitia Elia Nominated for Democratic Party Presidency Amidst Strong Line-Up

Kampala, Uganda – May 6, 2025

In a significant political development, Mr. Alitia Elia was this evening officially nominated to contest for the presidency of the Democratic Party (DP) after fulfilling the nomination requirement of Ugx 10 million. The nomination ceremony took place in Kampala and sets the stage for a hotly contested race at the party's upcoming national delegates conference scheduled for May 28–30, 2025, in Mbarara City.

Alitia, who has served as the DP Vice President for Northern Uganda since 2015, becomes the second West Niler in history to make a bid for national leadership of this magnitude, following in the footsteps of former President Idi Amin Dada, who seized power through a military coup on January 25, 1971.

He now faces stiff competition from the party’s current president Hon. Nobert Mao, Hon. Bayigga Lulume (MP for Buikwe South), and Hon. Eng. Richard Sebamala (MP for Bukoto Central). The race is expected to reshape the internal dynamics of Uganda's oldest political party.

Meanwhile, West Nile is well represented in the Democratic Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) nominations, with several leaders from the region securing top slots:

Edema Boniface Rodrigo (Adjumani District) – Secretary for International and Diaspora Affairs

Asau Sunday (Maracha District) – Deputy Secretary for International Relations

Mesiku Fiona (Moyo District) – Secretary for Women’s League

Alex Ochaki (Pakwach District) – Deputy National Organizing Secretary

Obini Gerald (Vurra Constituency, Arua District) – Deputy Secretary for Defense and Veteran Affairs

Pirio Gasper (Ayivu East, Arua City) – Deputy Publicity Secretary

Asiku Maxwel (Koboko District) – Deputy President for Uganda Young Democrats

Abiti Emmanuel (Maracha District) – Deputy Secretary for Entrepreneurs and Workers

Zubair Asea Idrika (Yumbe District) – Regional Representative for West Nile

Adong Sarah Sharon (Zombo District) – President of the Women’s League

The nominations underscore the growing political presence and influence of West Nile leaders within the Democratic Party. All eyes are now on Mbarara as the party braces for a historic and potentially transformative election.