Pallisa, Uganda: Former Pallisa District LC5 Chairperson Issa Bantalib Taligola, commonly known as Ocuuma Ejogorot, has vowed that Gogonyo County will never be annexed to any other area seeking district status, insisting that the county deserves an independent administrative identity.
Speaking to the press shortly after his nomination on Thursday by Ms. Ekima Mary Claret, the Pallisa District Returning Officer, Taligola emphasized that Gogonyo’s development needs can only be effectively addressed under its own district administration.
“Some people underrate me when I speak objectively, forgetting I am a focused leader who only talks about what is possible at the right time,” he said. “When I began the campaign for Gogonyo County, many politicians dismissed me as a joker, even after the Ministry of Local Government confirmed its recognition. They claimed I had forged documents from Nasser Road.”
Taligola clarified that his stance is not to sabotage Agule County’s district ambitions but to assert Gogonyo’s autonomy.
“I wish Agule well in their pursuit, but Gogonyo cannot and will not be part of their proposed district. What we need now is the creation of Gogonyo Town Council, elevation of Pallisa Town Council to municipality status, and approval of new parishes in Kibale Sub County. Those are crucial issues—not attaching Gogonyo to Agule,” he said.
Taligola Defends Independent Candidacy
When asked why he was running as an independent against NRM flagbearer Derrick Orone, Taligola dismissed the question, describing the NRM primaries as “messed up” and undemocratic.
“Anyone calling those primaries credible should be doubted,” he told DailyExpress. “The party stands on four pillars—patriotism, Pan-Africanism, democracy, and economic transformation—but the most distorted internally is democracy. That’s why I didn’t bother going to the tribunal. I preferred returning to the people instead.”
He said his campaign is rooted in the same principle that inspired his struggle to have Gogonyo recognized as a county—economic empowerment for ordinary people.
“People of Gogonyo need money in their pockets, not dancing,” Taligola said. “Only economically empowered people can enjoy entertainment. Our youth should not be deceived that bringing Kampala artists will remove poverty. What they need are skills and guidance.”
Supporters Back Gogonyo Autonomy
Saida Kulusumu, the Obutete Sub County District Woman Councilor and a strong supporter of Taligola, said Gogonyo has sufficient resources to sustain itself as a district.
“Gogonyo can generate about 20% of its budget locally, with the remaining 80% from the central government,” she said. “When Kibuku rejected merging with Budaka, Budaka still became a district, and when Kibale refused to join Butebo, Butebo was still approved. Likewise, Gogonyo’s decision not to join Agule should be respected.”
She added that Gogonyo’s refusal will not hinder Agule’s own district bid but must be honored as an expression of self-determination.
Taligola was among the last candidates nominated for the Gogonyo County MP race, joining Derrick Orone (NRM), Henry Onaigo (FDC), and Wadanbisha Nathan Dickson (Independent).
He arrived for nomination with only six people in his car, in line with Electoral Commission guidelines limiting entourage sizes.
“I can’t come here with a fleet of vehicles because cars don’t vote,” he said. “Some people mistake such displays for assurance of victory.”
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