Gulu City, Uganda: Security agencies in Northern Uganda’s Gulu City have issued a stern warning to National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary aspirants against acts that promote criminality ahead of the party’s primaries.
Speaking during a Thursday security stakeholders’ meeting, Captain Alex Otiti, the Resident Internal Security Officer (RISO) for the Acholi sub-region, cautioned candidates against mobilizing criminal gangs to intimidate opponents and disrupt the electoral process.
“We are not going to succeed in the primaries if we don’t work as a team,” Capt. Otiti said. “We are receiving intelligence indicating that some candidates are recruiting youth into gangs to intimidate others. We know your names, your whereabouts, and your ringleaders. Desist from this behavior because it is no longer a secret, ” he stressed.
Otiti said the situation in Gulu remains largely calm, but warned of increasing threats, including the use of abusive language and personal attacks which incite supporters. “We want to ensure that our people are safe. The abuse and incitement must stop. Intelligence is documenting all campaign utterances, and those found culpable will face consequences.”
Meanwhile, Gulu City Resident Commissioner (RCC) Peter Banya reminded candidates that their conduct reflects on the party’s unity and future.
“How we conduct our primaries affects our strength against the opposition. You can’t threaten the party leadership while still seeking the party’s ticket,” Banya warned. “After the primaries on the 17th, I’ll come out openly to support the winners because, without the President in power, I have no job. The presidency is non-negotiable.”
He also warned against increasing crime, especially in areas like Unyama, Kasubi Central, Alokolum, Industrial Area, Pageya, Labourline, Tegwana, and Vanguard. He said operations will be carried out to restore order in these hotspots.
Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja, the deputy commander of the 4th Infantry Division, emphasized peaceful campaigns and unity among candidates. “Value the lives of our people more than your positions. Stop the abusive language. Let the love for the NRM lead us,” he said.
Christine Olok, a party official, urged candidates to adhere to party guidelines and consult with party offices when in doubt. “Candidates should run peaceful campaigns. Those going against guidelines should seek guidance from the appropriate offices,” she advised.
The NRM City Registrar, David Nyeko, reported that Gulu has 128 polling stations across Laroo-Pece and Bardege-Layibi divisions. There are five aspirants for Bardege-Layibi MP, including incumbent Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, Oryema Robinson Ogeri, Pastor Roy Olal, musician-turned-politician Lucky Bosmic Joyce Otim, and Denis Okello Oweka.
Three women are contesting for the Woman MP seat: Joyce Renny Alima (Gulu City Speaker), Jolly Laker Andruville, and Pastor Concy Lagum. In Gulu East, lawyer Tonny Kitara faces former RDC Grace Atim Oleyowiya. Former mayor Alfred Okwonga is unopposed for the city’s mayoral seat in the primary election.
Allegations of Interference and Favouritism
Oryema Robinson called on security to ensure a level playing field, accusing some Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) of supporting Mapenduzi’s candidacy under the alleged direction of Gen. Charles Otema.
“RDCs are meddling in NRM internal elections. If a candidate is declared the winner through rigging, it ends there. False promises for jobs mean nothing to us,” Oryema said.
He also requested police protection due to increasing threats, while dismissing accusations of personal attacks.
Meanwhile, Otim was accused of breaching party rules by appearing in rallies with opposition figures such as former Aruu MP Samuel Odonga Otto, Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya, and the independent MP for Laroo-Pece, Fr Charles Onen who were seen campaigning for him.
“There is a candidate being projected by top government figures—ministers and army generals. They are intimidating us. I came out to tell the public to ignore this propaganda,” Otim said.
He, however, denied any wrongdoing and claimed RDCs like Nabinson Kidega (Agago) and Geoffrey Osborn Oceng (Amuru) are openly campaigning for Mapenduzi. “That’s why opposition leaders are backing me. Even registrars were allegedly bribed long ago. How will we have a fair election?” Otim asked.
Both Otim and Oryem have criticized the alleged involvement of Gen. Otema, calling upon his top supervisors to rein in on him.
“Let Gen. Otema stay out of NRM’s internal politics. I have no issue if he funds a candidate, but let him not interfere in the NRM primary election process,” Oweka said.
Brig. Gen. Kayanja responded firmly by advising the complainant to report cases of wrong doing by Gen. Otema to the police. “Don’t drag Gen. Otema into this meeting. If he has done something wrong, report him to the police. Focus on your campaigns.”
Meanwhile, Fred K. Ahimbisibwe, the Regional Police Commander for Aswa West has assured the public and the candidate that security will not allow tolerate any tendency of subversive activities by both supporters and candidates.
“We pledge to deliver the most peaceful and safe primary elections and subsequent general elections by providing a safer environment for electoral processes. We (Acholi) should not allow any individuals to bring back bad memories of violence Northern Uganda has suffered during the war, ” he cautioned.
Campaign Strategy
The City Registrar Nyeko, who is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the City Primary elections, stated that joint campaign rallies have been hampered by limited funding, making it difficult to use public address systems. Nonetheless, candidates agreed to hold a one-off joint rallies at designated grounds such in Kirombe PAG for Woman MP, Pece Stadium for MP Laroo-Pece, and the 4th Division football field for MP Bardege-Layibi.
They also committed to participating in a joint campaign on Radio Favor, Radio Rupiny, and Radio Pacis.
Historically, NRM’s vote share in Gulu has grown steadily for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni with the trend standing as: 1996: 8.5%, 2001: 11.5%, 2006: 13.2%, 2011: 29.4%, 2016: 32.7%, and most recently in 2021: 44.3%.
The City party registrar projects that Museveni may get up to 81.1% support in the upcoming general election, contingent on a peaceful and united primary process. “What happens in the primaries will determine how many votes President Museveni receives,” Oweka concluded.
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