When did Ochieng Benard declare his interest to run for Mayor, Tororo City?
Tororo, Uganda – May 1, 2025
In a bold step from the studio to the political stage, popular radio presenter and media manager Ochieng Benard, widely known as “OBEN,” has officially announced his intention to run for mayor of Tororo City in the 2026 general elections on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket.
The declaration took place at a public event held at Rock Classic Hotel in Tororo on Wednesday, May 1, at 3:00 PM. The gathering was attended by friends, colleagues, supporters, and members of the media fraternity, marking a significant moment in OBEN’s transition from journalism to active politics.
What do we expect?
OBEN, a prominent voice on EAST-FM Tororo where he serves as both a presenter and one of the station’s managers, delivered a stirring 10-minute speech affirming his readiness to lead and serve the people of Tororo. His address aimed to silence earlier speculation about his political ambitions, with some observers previously questioning whether his early political talk was genuine or merely strategic posturing in support of other candidates.
He first hinted at his mayoral ambitions several months ago when Tororo was still classified as a municipality. With Tororo’s recent elevation to city status, OBEN reaffirmed that he is prepared to contest for the mayoral seat regardless of the new administrative designation, signaling his unwavering commitment to serve at the helm of the city’s leadership.
“Some thought I was joking or playing behind the scenes, but today I want to make it clear—I am standing for the position of Mayor of Tororo City,” OBEN stated during the ceremony.
The declaration has sparked considerable interest both within the media and political circles, especially as OBEN is among a growing number of Ugandan journalists shifting into politics. His alignment with the NRM further amplifies his profile, setting the stage for what is expected to be a competitive race in 2026.
As a respected media personality with deep roots in the Tororo community, this candidacy represents a new chapter in local leadership, combining grassroots engagement with a media-savvy approach to public service.
More campaign details and his full political platform are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks as OBEN hits the ground running in his bid to become the next mayor of Tororo City.
