Veteran government communicator Ofwono Opondo has received President Yoweri Museveni’s blessing to contest for the Member of Parliament seat representing older persons in Eastern Uganda in the upcoming elections.
Opondo, who is stepping down from his role as Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, confirmed that he met the president at State House Nakasero on Sunday evening, where he was given the go-ahead to vie for the position currently held by Mafwabi Gidudu.
“Last evening, State House Nakasero I met President Museveni and he accepted my race for Older Persons Eastern Region 12th Parliament,” Opondo announced on X.
His decision to transition from a long career in public communication to elective politics was first hinted at last month during a broadcast of the Capital Gang radio show on Capital FM.
At the time, Opondo revealed that he would be leaving his position as Government Spokesman to pursue a new role in Parliament aimed at advocating for the elderly.
After 26 years in government communications serving in various capacities including Director of Information and Public Relations at the NRM Secretariat and as NRM Spokesperson, Opondo says the time has come for a change.
Opondo has also secured high-level backing within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
His endorsements include prominent figures such as Hajji Moses Kigongo, former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, Michael Mukula, and Minister Oboth Oboth.
“I have also secured endorsements from Hajji Moses Kigongo, Ruhakana Rugunda, Anitah Among, Oboth Oboth, Mike Mukula among others, “he added in a post on X.
Opondo joined the Uganda Media Centre in July 2013, following his earlier role at the NRM Secretariat which he took on in 2002, succeeding Winnie Byanyima. Between 2001 and 2016, he played an integral role in Museveni’s election task forces.
His declaration has triggered a wave of congratulatory messages from Ugandans on X, many wishing him success as he embarks on this new chapter in public service.
