Tororo, Uganda – In a significant development for the 2026 general elections, journalist Benard Ochieng, popularly known as “Oben,” was officially nominated today, September 9, 2025, as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the Mayor of Tororo Municipality. The nomination solidifies his position after being declared unopposed in the party primaries earlier this year, positioning him as a formidable contender against the incumbent, Kenneth Orono Nyapidi, who is seeking re-election as an independent candidate.
Oben, a household name in Tororo, first announced his candidacy on May 1, 2025, during a vibrant public rally at the Rock Classic Hotel, drawing supporters, colleagues, and media figures. His journey from the airwaves to the political arena has been marked by steady momentum, culminating in today’s formal endorsement by the NRM. As the sole aspirant to pick up nomination forms for the mayoral seat, Oben’s unopposed status in the primaries—confirmed by Tororo District NRM Registrar Joseph Kadokech—sparked widespread celebrations across the municipality in June, reflecting his strong grassroots appeal.
For nearly a decade, Oben has been a prominent voice at East FM Tororo, where he serves as both presenter and station manager. He is best known for hosting the engaging Twende Kazi Leo morning show, blending his charismatic style with community-focused discussions. The nickname “Oben,” a clever fusion of the “B” from Benard and the “O” from Ochieng, has become emblematic of his approachable persona on the radio.
Born and raised in Tororo Municipality, Oben’s deep community ties form the bedrock of his campaign. A devoted family man, he is married with two young children—one around three years old and the other in nursery school. He credits his unopposed nomination to years of hands-on engagement, from visiting homes and attending funerals to participating in local gatherings, which have built enduring trust among residents. “My connection with the people—through their homes, their events, and their daily lives—has built a foundation of trust that I’m honored to carry into this race,” Oben stated earlier this year.
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Now, with the nomination secured, Oben faces a pivotal showdown with incumbent Mayor Kenneth Orono Nyapidi, who won the seat in 2021 by a narrow margin of 133 votes against the previous holder. Nyapidi, known for initiatives like cabinet reshuffles to bolster municipal services and advocating for infrastructure projects such as the Shs20 billion USMID road upgrades, has been a fixture in Tororo’s leadership. Running as an independent, the sitting mayor brings experience in urban development and community mobilization to the race, setting the stage for a contest that promises to highlight contrasting visions for Tororo’s future.
As the campaign intensifies ahead of the 2026 polls, Oben’s media savvy and community roots, combined with Nyapidi’s incumbency, are expected to energize voters. Analysts anticipate a closely watched battle, with Oben’s fresh perspective challenging the status quo in this key eastern Ugandan municipality.
About Benard Ochieng (“Oben”)
- Full Name: Benard Ochieng
- Media Career: Presenter and manager at East FM Tororo; host of Twende Kazi Leo
- Nickname Origin: Derived from the initials “B” (Benard) and “O” (Ochieng) for a catchy radio persona
- Personal Life: Born and raised in Tororo Municipality; married with two young children
- Political Ambition: Nominated today 9th September 2025 as NRM candidate for Tororo Municipality Mayor in 2026
- NRM Primary: Declared unopposed, earning strong party support and sparking widespread celebrations