Lira, Uganda – Senior Presidential Advisor for the Lango Zone, Hon. Sam Engola, has strongly criticized politicians in the Lango sub-region for turning funerals into campaign platforms, urging them to respect mourning spaces.Speaking during the burial of the late Tonny Oteng, a dedicated NRM cadre, Engola emphasized that political campaigns should be conducted in appropriate venues such as marketplaces or public rallies, rather than exploiting funeral gatherings.
“If you want to campaign, go to market places or organize a campaign rally in a public place, but don’t bring it to funeral places,” Engola firmly stated.
As a respected clan head in Lango, Engola reiterated his long-standing opposition to the politicization of funerals, a sentiment that resonated strongly with the thousands of mourners present.
His remarks drew widespread applause and approval from the crowd, further solidifying his influence in the region.
The statement has ignited political debate in Erute South and Northern Uganda, especially as Engola recently declared his intention to contest for both the Erute South MP seat and the NRM Northern Vice Chairman position in the 2026 elections.
His entry into the race adds momentum to the growing political competition in the sub-region, with several candidates also eyeing key positions.With his political experience and deep-rooted ties in the Lango community, Engola's declaration is expected to reshape the dynamics of the 2026 electoral contest.
His firm stance against unethical campaign practices, such as using funeral ceremonies for political mileage, has further bolstered his image as a leader advocating for dignity and respect in both politics and cultural traditions.
As the 2026 elections approach, Engola’s influence and campaign strategy will be closely watched, especially in Erute South, where competition is heating up among aspiring candidates.
