Pallisa, Uganda: Another National Resistance Movement (NRM) contestant in the Pallisa County parliamentary race, Counsel Herbert Dakasi, has withdrawn his support for the party’s flag bearer, Ibrahim Aisu, and instead declared his backing for Democratic Party spokesperson Okolere Opio Lo Amanu Enock.
Dakasi’s move comes just a week after fellow NRM aspirant David Kooli also threw his weight behind Okolere, signaling cracks within the ruling party’s camp in Pallisa.
Speaking to reporters, Dakasi, who doubles as Associate Director at the Australian Law Reform Institute, said it would be “unfair” to back Aisu, the NRM district vice chairperson, insisting that Pallisa needs a candidate with the ability to lobby, legislate, and deliver tangible results.
“We are not going to vote for parties but for ability. Pallisa deserves a leader rooted in integrity and genuine service, not representatives who go to parliament only as spectators. Okolere embodies the leadership qualities the county needs,” Dakasi said.
Okolere, welcoming the endorsement, said Pallisa’s future lies in inclusive leadership that cuts across political affiliations. “If you want to reach your destination safely, focus on the condition of the vehicle and the sobriety of the driver. Don’t ask for his religion or tribe. Pallisa is not a project for a few individuals but for all of us,” he stated.
The endorsements, however, sparked tension at the launch of the Pallisa Media Association on Wednesday when Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Magid Dhikusooka openly campaigned for NRM candidates at all levels.
“I am telling you, media, tell people to vote for NRM candidates because the regime will win and discuss implementable projects in caucus. Don’t waste time with NUP, DP, or others,” Dhikusooka said.
The statement drew sharp protest from Okolere, who accused the RDC of violating civil service neutrality. “You are on government payroll. Don’t mix yourself in partisan politics. In multiparty democracy, you don’t dictate to people whom to support,” Okolere fired back.
Dhikusooka later dismissed defectors like Dakasi and Kooli as “not genuine leaders” whom the community had rightly rejected.
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