Agago RDC Kidega Nok accused of intimidating supporters of independent candidates

11 November 2025, 7:53 AM

By Freeman Canogura

Tensions are rising within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) structures in Agago District after Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Nabinson Kidega Nok was accused of intimidating supporters of candidates opposing the NRM Woman MP flag bearer, Hon. Beatrice Akori.

The allegations surfaced following a meeting reportedly convened by the RDC on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Prince Garden in Patongo town council, which was attended by NRM party leaders and flag bearers from several parishes.

During the meeting, the RDC allegedly ordered Denis Lingo, the NRM flag bearer for Apana Central village, Kal parish in Patongo subcounty, to leave the venue after questioning him about his loyalty. Witnesses claim Lingo was humiliated before other participants, an act that sparked outrage among local party members and independent supporters aligned with the ruling party.

Oling later told journalists that the RDC’s actions were uncalled for and intended to intimidate party supporters who are backing independent candidates. He called for an apology from the RDC and urged NRM district officials to investigate his conduct.

Several residents and political activists have echoed the concerns. Mego Sabina Atoo, popularly known as UDK, a well-known Arsenal supporter and local mobiliser, condemned what she described as selective intimidation. She said leadership is a gift from God and should not be imposed through fear or threats. Atoo encouraged voters to exercise their free will, reject political intimidation, and avoid being influenced by money during campaigns.

Independent Woman MP hopeful Hon. Anek Nancy Obita, who addressed the media during a press briefing in her Office in Patongo town council, also criticised the RDC’s behavior, saying such actions threaten unity within the district. She urged him to conduct his mobilisation duties professionally and to respect the democratic space for all candidates, including independents and contestants from other parties.

The RDC did not pick our calls despite repeated attempts to contact him for a comment. However, this is not the first time Kidega Nok has been linked to controversy. In 2021, while serving as RDC for Lamwo District, he was accused of involvement in electoral offences during the parliamentary elections. The investigation, led by Commissioner of Police Francis Olugu, was launched after a petition by Hon. Molly Lanyero, the then Lamwo District Woman MP, who lost to independent candidate Nancy Acora.

Acora polled 16,990 votes, defeating Lanyero, who garnered 12,846 votes on the NRM ticket. Lanyero rejected the results, claiming the election was marred by violence, intimidation, and rigging allegedly supported by security personnel under Kidega’s watch.

With the 2026 general elections approaching, political observers in Agago warn that such accusations, if not addressed, could deepen divisions within the ruling party and erode public confidence in local leadership.