Oyam, Uganda: Supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Oyam District have shut down the party’s district office, protesting alleged mismanagement of funds meant for the 2026 election campaigns.
The protesters, largely grassroots mobilisers and sub-county leaders, accuse district officials of failing to account for money reportedly disbursed to facilitate election activities.
“We cannot continue working for the party without transparency,” said Opio Fred, a mobiliser from Loro Sub-county. “People sacrificed their time and resources during campaigns, but up to now, there is no accountability.”
The protest reflects growing frustration among local party structures, with several leaders questioning how funds meant for mobilisers were utilised.
Martin Oloro, the NRM chairperson for Iceme Sub-county, demanded clarity from district leadership. “We are only asking for accountability. Let the district leadership clearly explain how the money was spent,” he said.
In Aber Sub-county, Sam Odongo Ali said the situation has left many mobilisers demoralised. “Mobilisers are the backbone of the party, but they have been abandoned. Many were promised facilitation, but nothing has been delivered,” he said.
However, Oyam NRM District Chairperson Bosco Onyik dismissed the allegations, attributing the protest to internal political rivalries.
“This is politics. Some disgruntled members are trying to undermine the current leadership after losing in the recent internal elections,” Onyik said.
He insisted that party resources were handled within established guidelines and denied any misappropriation of funds. “The issue is not about money. It is about power struggles within the party,” he added.
Similar tensions in Apac
The dispute in Oyam mirrors a parallel standoff in Apac District, where NRM leaders are clashing over the alleged mismanagement of Shs186 million in campaign funds.
Local officials say the money, deposited in January 2026, was intended to facilitate polling agents and grassroots mobilisation efforts.
Yet several mobilisers claim they were never paid. “We worked day and night mobilising voters and protecting the vote, but after elections, we were forgotten,” one mobiliser said anonymously.
Another local leader added: “There is a lot of anger on the ground. People feel used and ignored.”
The developments in Oyam and Apac highlight growing internal tensions within the NRM, particularly between district leadership and grassroots structures.
“This is a test of internal accountability,” one analyst noted. “If not handled carefully, it risks eroding trust among supporters.”
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