In 2022, the former Aruu County Member of Parliament in the Padre district, Samuel Odonga Otto, declared he was bowing out from elective politics.
This was after losing his parliamentary seat during the 2021 elections to Charles Komakech.
On Thursday, December 26th, 2024, the former legislator, through his X account (Twitter), confirmed that he is set to reclaim his seat in 2026.
“I will be seeking re-election for MP. Aruu County Pader District 2026-2031 on an independent ticket,” said Odonga Otto.
He said, “I will be starting with 5,000 votes that I got despite my arrest, being blocked by soldiers from accessing the tally center. Parliament needs a man called Otto” God’s timing.”
When asked about why he has made another decision, Odonga Otto said; “Only fools can’t change their mind because they they don’t have one. The cry of the people is too much. I said that then , and I said this today, so why should you believe the old post. It’s my vocation it’s my profession its what I got a degree in, it’s what I like. I am back,”
Born on November 11th, 1977, Samuel Odonga represented Aruu County from 2001 until 2021 on the opposition ticket.
He had previously been a close confidant of opposition leader Col. (RTD). Dr. Kizza Besigye, right from the time of the Reform Agenda and later the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). He later briefly supported Robert Kyagulanyi before falling out with him.