With two unopposed terms under his belt, Lokwang’s seat seemed secure. But this election season brings a new challenge. A handful of graduates, including the very boy Lokwang sponsored through school, are vying for the MP seat.
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The Member of Parliament for Ik County, Hillary Lokwang is facing a “beautiful political problem.” The legislator from the impoverished remote district of Kaabong in Karamoja says one of his education sponsorship beneficiaries has expressed interest in his job come 2026.
“When I joined politics in 2015, I was the only graduate in Ik County. Today, we have more degree holders, and one of them, Daniel Lokol, whom I personally supported through school has declared his intention to challenge me for the MP seat,” Lokwang stated.
In an interview with Derf Media published on a YouTube channel, Lokwang reflected on the transformation he has witnessed in Ik County over the years, attributing much of the progress to his leadership.
Hilary Lokwang, Ik County’s MP, has a legacy of firsts. He was the first Ik graduate and the first to represent the Ik people in Uganda’s Parliament.
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With two unopposed terms under his belt, Lokwang’s seat seemed secure. But this election season brings a new challenge. A handful of graduates, including the very boy Lokwang sponsored through school, are vying for the MP seat.
Will Lokwang’s protégé be the one to dethrone him?
Lokwang, who has represented Ik County in Parliament since 2016, listed some of his achievements over the past nine years, including the installation of televisions and solar panels, the purchase of iron sheets to transition residents from grass-thatched homes to semi-permanent structures, and the sponsorship of students’ education.
He also revealed that one of the students he sponsored has now announced plans to unseat him in the 2026 general elections.
Lokwang, who once proposed a flyover around Parliamentary Avenue to ease MP movement amid Kampala’s heavy traffic, acknowledges the irony of his situation.
“In Ik County, not even a single person had iron sheets. Most homes were grass thatched. But now, you will find over 1,000 houses with iron sheets, which I personally provided,” Lokwang said.
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“I even secured some from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). Our trading centres have grown, and businesses have flourished. Before, we had no sodas, no beers in shops; now, these are available locally,” Lokwang explained.
“I had to install TVs because Ik County had no electricity. I installed solar panels and bought televisions to expose my people to how other places have developed.
“I lobbied for scholarships from development partners. Back then, no Ik had been to university. Today, we have Ik working in Local Government and others who have completed their studies,” he added.
“One of them has actually just resigned—one of my students who is now coming to compete with me. I took him to Ishaka Campus, recommended him for State House Scholarships, and supported him with transport, pocket money, and accommodation.
“When I came to Parliament in 2015, I was the only Iki with a degree. If anyone doubts, let them come forward and challenge me. I am a role model, and now we have more Ik graduates,” Lokwang remarked.
As the 2026 elections approach, the question remains: Will Lokwang’s investment in education lead to his political downfall?