Pallisa, Uganda: A public dispute erupted among National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Pallisa District over allegations that Shs149.4 million meant to facilitate grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections was mismanaged or never reached its intended beneficiaries.
The money, amounting to Shs300,000 for each of the district’s 498 villages, was reportedly allocated to support the mobilisation of vulnerable NRM supporters, including the sick, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the elderly.
However, several grassroots party leaders claim the funds never reached the villages.
The allegations were first raised by Emmanuel Okurut, the NRM Chairperson for Kameke Parish in Dub County and Chairperson of all NRM chairpersons in Pallisa District, who accused the district NRM leadership of mishandling the funds.
Okurut alleged that despite concerns being raised after reports emerged that the money had reached Pallisa, the district party leadership failed to address the matter.
“When we learned the facilitation had arrived in Pallisa, we raised alarm. Our party chairperson ignored us. We were forced to take our complaint to NRM Secretary General Hon. Richard Todwong, who acknowledged receipt.”
He further claimed that Sam Emuron, the District NRM Administrator, possesses key information regarding how the funds were withdrawn.
“Now some of our leaders are claiming we are being used by political rivals. This is about accountability,” Okurut added.
The dispute prompted Pallisa Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Dhikusooka Magid to convene an emergency meeting at Agule Community Health Centre after reports emerged that aggrieved party mobilisers were planning a demonstration.
During the meeting, grassroots mobilisers presented a petition alleging corruption and lack of accountability within the office of the district NRM chairperson.
Addressing the gathering, the RDC said the allegations would be investigated. “I am with you on this corruption allegation. I have instructed police to investigate. If this money was eaten, those responsible will answer in court.”
Dhikusooka, however, criticised the complainants for failing to first channel their concerns through his office. He also commended former Agule MP David Ochwa for hosting the meeting, saying it helped maintain dialogue with grassroots mobilisers.
Calls for change in district leadership
The controversy has intensified calls for changes within the district party leadership.
Emmanuel Olinga of Oboliso Sub-county called for fresh elections for the district NRM chairperson, accusing the current leadership of undermining the party. “Orone has abused his office. He will weaken the party at the grassroots.”
Meanwhile, Robert Okiror, the NRM Chairperson for Agule Town Council, appealed to Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara to intervene during his anticipated visit to Pallisa.
Former Agule MP David Ochwa rejected claims linking him to the dispute and defended his long-standing service to the ruling party. “I have been in NRM since my youthful days. I won’t allow the party we built in Pallisa to be destroyed for personal gain.”
Ochwa further alleged that he had previously been blocked from joining the District Executive Committee (DEC) after contesting as an independent candidate against Josephine Ibaseret. He urged LC1 and LC2 chairpersons to remain focused on mobilisation ahead of the elections, noting that boda boda riders and grassroots mobilisers were still awaiting facilitation.
When contacted, Gogonyo MP and Pallisa District NRM Chairperson Derrick Orone declined to comment on the allegations, saying the matter was under investigation. “What matters is that President Museveni won victoriously in Pallisa.”
The RDC confirmed that elections for women’s councils are scheduled for Wednesday, while LC1 and LC2 elections are expected to take place on July 28, 2026.
The allegations have exposed growing divisions within the ruling party’s structures in Pallisa at a time when grassroots mobilisation is expected to play a key role in the ongoing electoral process.
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