In a surprising political move, Lawrence Alionzi, popularly known as Dangote and the former Guild President of Makerere University, has switched allegiance from the National Unity Platform (NUP) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Alionzi announced his decision during a recent event, where he also picked nomination forms to contest for the Mayor of Arua City.
Alionzi, an electrical engineer by profession, expressed his desire to actively participate in shaping the future of his city rather than remaining a spectator. He emphasized his commitment to fighting poverty, illiteracy, and promoting business growth, stating that these issues are central to his political agenda.
The transition from NUP to NRM has sparked mixed reactions. Some view it as a strategic move to secure a mayoral position, while others question his consistency given his previous association with the opposition. Alionzi’s decision to join NRM is seen by some as an attempt to leverage the ruling party’s influence to achieve his political ambitions.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Alionzi’s move highlights the fluid nature of Ugandan politics, where alliances can shift rapidly. His journey from a student leader to a mayoral candidate underscores the dynamic interplay between education, leadership, and political ambition in Uganda. The coming months will reveal whether this transition will propel him to the mayoral seat or if it will be met with resistance from voters and political rivals.
