Pallisa, Uganda: Issa Bantalib Taligola, popularly known as Ocuuma, on Friday embarked on a spirited constituency-wide drive to raise awareness about his candidature for the Gogonyo County seat in Pallisa District.
Taligola’s convoy, comprising more than 150 motorcycles and 23 vehicles, drew crowds at major trading centres across Gogonyo as traffic police worked to control the procession.
At numerous stopovers, Taligola addressed supporters, dismissing claims that he had abandoned local politics to enjoy life in Kampala.
“I have not deviated from my prime objectives, you may call it my manifesto, for which I struggled to have this county created,” he said. “I want to see a community that is self-reliant, where people generate their own income instead of depending on leaders for basics like clothing, food, education, and health.”
He cited the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), which has over Shs800 billion allocated to fund women-led enterprises, as an example of resources that can improve livelihoods when properly accessed and guided.
Taligola also urged voters to stay calm in what he described as a tense political season. “Some of you are scared because in the 2020 NRM primaries and the 2021 general election, I was rigged twice,” he claimed. “MP Orone Derrick, being a district chairperson, should not worry you. Focus on what we stand for.”
In Kaukura Sub-county’s Adal Village, Mr. Amodoi Charles raised concerns about youth groups hired to disrupt meetings with whistles and vuvuzelas to prevent candidates from addressing residents.
Mr. Hausi Byantalo Njaye, Taligola’s chief coordinator, commended voters for maintaining calm, saying the majority of Gogonyo residents have matured politically.
“Most leaders, even in the NRM, are scared of Ocuuma. That is why they are resorting to tribal sentiments, which do not work. Taligola is a national figure who only needs Gogonyo’s approval. Once elected, Pallisa will be on the map and poverty alleviation programmes will take shape,” Byantalo said.
The Gogonyo by-election race features four candidates cleared by the NRM’s electoral body: Isaac Okinyom, Joseph Okoboi Opolot, Orone Derrick, and Issa Bantalib Taligola.
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