Pallisa, Uganda: Agule County NRM Parliamentary aspirant Herbert Okello has strongly dismissed the recent New Vision opinion poll, describing it as misleading and unrepresentative of the true political landscape on the ground.
Okello, one of seven contenders for the NRM flag in Agule County, criticized the national daily for what he called an unfair and shallow survey that narrowed its focus on only two individuals: incumbent MP David Ochwa and former RDC Josephine Ibaseret, leaving out other contenders, including himself, Okiring Patrick, Okiria Denis, Bishop Simon Peter Oullo, and former MP Polycarp Ogwari.
“As a researcher, I cannot even comprehend the tools New Vision used to justify limiting their findings to only two names out of seven candidates,” Okello said. “I felt embarrassed reading such a report, which does not reflect the reality on the ground. New Vision must come down to the grassroots and conduct proper research if it wants to maintain credibility.”
Speaking to local media over the weekend, Okello cited his ongoing community-driven projects as evidence of his overwhelming support, including the installation of over 400 solar-powered security lights across trading centres in Agule.
The MP-Hopeful said this initiative was aimed at reducing theft, protecting women vendors operating late hours, and boosting local household incomes.
“I have not waited for elections to start working. My track record is visible across Agule. I am telling voters not to be swayed by candidates who throw around cash but have no agenda to improve their lives. Electing self-seekers will cost us another five years of poor services,” Okello said.
Okello pledged to prioritize vulnerable groups such as orphans and widows, drawing from his own personal experience as a widower who has spent over 15 years championing causes for disadvantaged families.
“My leadership will focus on practical solutions. I will procure a **coaster bus for Agule County, lobby for a technical school, and ensure learners have access to scholastic materials. Leadership is not about gender, it’s about competence and a heart for the people,” Okello added.
Residents interviewed shared similar sentiments. Jesca Amoding from Dud Village in Boliso Sub-County said after closely analyzing all the candidates, she is backing Okello for his calm demeanor and clear vision.
“Joint campaigns were suspended because some candidates mobilized their supporters to disrupt others from speaking, denying the public access to meaningful manifestos,” she said.
Mr. Onyenge Constant, a mobilizer for Okello in Agule Town Council, said voters should rally behind Okello because of his practical and visionary leadership initiatives.
“I am disappointed in RDC Ibaseret Josephine who, after securing her position as Woman MP, is now being fronted by political failures in Agule to challenge men. This is not leadership, it’s manipulation,” Onyenge said.
David Apuwa, the district NRM Secretary for Publicity who accompanied Okello during his engagements, urged voters to exercise their constitutional right and reject intimidation.
“With the lining-up voting method, I call upon voters to report at polling stations by 10:00 am as voting will start at 12:30 pm across the country. This time there will be no rigging,” Apuwa said.
He cautioned voters against voter apathy, warning against villages of 400 registered voters turning up with only 200 participants, which he said undermines the democratic process. Apuwa also reminded candidates that handing out money to voters often scares them away and breeds suspicion.
“This is not a do-or-die game. Vote wisely, stand behind Okello, and ensure that all votes he earns are secured at the tallying center. Let’s also remember to vote for President Museveni in the general elections,” Apuwa said.
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