Uganda Media Centre (UMC) executive director Mr Ofwono Opondo has announced he will resign as Government Spokesman before the end of this month and launch a campaign for the “MP for the elderly” seat in Eastern Uganda at next year’s polls.
Speaking on The Capital Gang on Saturday, the 61‑year‑old veteran journalist said it was time to move from communication into legislation after 26 years at the heart of government messaging. He confirmed he had formally notified President Museveni of his decision.
“I wrote to the President notifying him about the conclusion of my tenure in three months,” Ofwono Opondo said. “I will have resigned by the end of this month to make it to the 2026 elections.”
Opondo intends to challenge Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu, the incumbent MP for the elderly representing the Eastern Region. With characteristic confidence, he declared:
“I have what it takes to knock him out.”
The former New Vision journalist outlined ongoing consultations within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and with personal allies over his campaign strategy. He added that both NRM colleagues and members of the opposition had offered endorsements—and even financial backing—to support his bid.
Mr Opondo was appointed Executive Director of UMC in July 2013, after serving as NRM Spokesperson from 2003 and Director of Information and Public Relations at the NRM Secretariat since 2002. He also participated in President Museveni’s election task‑forces between 2001 and 2016.
If he succeeds in his transition, Opondo will swap press briefings for parliamentary debates—continuing a lifelong career in public service, but from the legislature rather than the podium.
