Former Makerere Guild President Alionzi wins Arua City Mayor NRM primaries

ARUA - Alionzi Lawrence Dangote was declared the NRM flagbearer for Arua City Mayor in the upcoming 2026 general elections.

The announcement following hours of suspense at the West Nile Regional Mechanical Workshop tally centre ended dramatic events marked by tension, delays, and tight security,

The declaration came after Alionzi secured 24,374 votes (49%), defeating the incumbent Wadri Sam Nyakua, who garnered 20,829 votes (42%), and Afeku Issa Kato, who managed 4,704 votes (9%).

The results were confirmed by Obonyo Joel, the NRM Electoral Commission Regional Coordinator for West Nile.

With this outcome, Alionzi will carry the party’s flag into the 2026 mayoral race for Arua City.

Who is Alionzi Lawrence?

Alionzi Lawrence is a dynamic young leader with a compelling story of resilience and transformation.

Born in Orivu village he attended Ediofe Boys Primary School but struggled to remain in school until his uncle, Albert Pariyo, stepped in to support his education.

Attended Peter’s Minor Seminary Pokea, and later earned a bursary to Our Lady of Africa Namilyango for A-Level and joined Makerere University after winning a Government scholarship.

He studied Electrical Engineering.

Lawrence Alionzi Dangote supporters jubilating after the latter's announcement. (Credit: John Paul Opio)

While at Makerere, Alionzi was elected Guild President in 2023 under the National Unity Platform (NUP). After university, he returned to Arua and joined the NRM, citing a desire to unite communities and champion development.

Running on the slogan “Cleaning Arua City”, Alionzi has vowed to prioritise youth empowerment, infrastructure, and better service delivery.

Tallying, chaos and arrests disrupt process

Tensions flared at the tally centre on Thursday evening as supporters of both Alionzi and Wadri clashed over disputed results. Security was tightened after Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Salim Kumakech ordered police to take full control.

“The safety of our people and the integrity of the process must be protected,” RCC Kumakech said on Friday morning.

Chaos escalated when vote tallying for Yivu Ward and Etori Ward was suspended over reports of tampered results involving two NRM registrars. Cosmos Atibo (Yivu) and Ecoku (Etori) were implicated, and their materials were seized and secured at Arua CPS pending investigations.

Registrar arrested

In a separate incident, Tom Amagu, the NRM City Registrar Arua city, was arrested for allegedly issuing fake declaration forms. His arrest further fueled public suspicion, even as authorities urged citizens to remain calm.

Despite the disruption, tallying resumed on Friday at 7:00 PM, and the process was concluded under heavy security until he was declared.