Former Minister of State for Energy, Eng. Simon Giu D’Ujanga, has officially declared his intention to contest the Okoro County parliamentary seat in Zombo District as an independent candidate in the January 2026 general elections.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Ambaki Village, Kaya Parish, the former minister said he was compelled to reverse his earlier decision not to run after receiving “delegations after delegations” of constituents urging him to join the race.
“I have consulted widely, and the general opinion is that I should stand for the position of MP for Okoro Constituency, 2026–2031,” Eng. D’Ujanga said, reading from a prepared statement. He explained that the groundswell of public support emerged after the NRM primaries had concluded, making it impossible for him to contest on the party ticket. As a result, he announced he will run as an independent.
When asked about his priorities if elected, Eng. D’Ujanga pledged to continue advocating for rural electrification, lobby for the tarmacking of the 122-kilometre Nebbi–Goli–Paidha–Padea–Zombo–Zeu–Warr–Vurra road, promote cooperative societies among farmers, and support women’s Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) as well as youth entrepreneurship.
He also highlighted accomplishments from his previous term, including lobbying for the construction of Ngagak Hydroelectric Dam I and the recent commissioning of Ngagak III.
Eng. D’Ujanga further urged young people to engage actively in political processes for the sake of community development. “You… young people, make sure you participate in the political affairs of your country, because it’s through politics that the community can develop,” he said.
He holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Aston University in Birmingham, UK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Makerere University. Prior to entering politics in 2000, he rose through the ranks at the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB), eventually serving as Managing Director.
Eng. D’Ujanga represented Okoro County in Parliament for over 15 years and served more than a decade as State Minister for Energy, until his defeat in 2021. If elected, he would succeed Gabriel Ukumu, the current MP now serving his first term.
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