Woman injured during political rally in pader district, struggles to see

20 December 2025, 18:13

By our reporter

A 24-year-old woman from Puranga Sub-county is recovering from injuries she sustained during a political rally held at Ogonyo Trading Centre in Pader District, raising renewed concerns over safety at public political gatherings.

The incident occurred on 18 December during a campaign rally for Hon. Odonga Samuel Otto.

The victim, Akello Jenifer, a resident of Anyang Village, Apwoo Parish, said she was among residents who had gathered to listen to the candidate’s address when she was suddenly struck by an object believed to be a stone.

According to Akello, the object hit her near the eyebrow, causing heavy bleeding and loss of consciousness.

“I don’t know who hit me or where it came from,” Akello said. “I only found myself at the health centre after losing consciousness.”

Akello said she continues to experience severe pain, swelling around the eye, and difficulty seeing.

She added that she struggles to eat solid food and often vomits, forcing her to rely mainly on drinks such as juice. Due to her condition, she says she is unable to carry out normal household duties, leaving her husband to care for their children.

Akello’s husband, Omara Moses, 32, confirmed that he was also present at the rally but was standing some distance away when the incident occurred.

“Women were seated closer to the front, while I was standing far behind,” Omara explained. “When people shouted that someone had been hit, many thought it was a child. I only realized it was my wife when someone informed me.”

He said he rushed to Ogonyo Health Centre III, where health workers attended to Akello. According to the family, she is still in pain and experiencing vision challenges in one eye.

Local leaders and campaign representatives have condemned the incident and called for peaceful political engagement.

Olweny Michel, a campaign coordinator for Hon. Odonga Otto in Puranga Sub-county, described the incident as unfortunate and said no form of violence should be associated with political activities.

He alleged that the attack may have been carried out by a suspected supporter from an opposing political camp, with the intention of disrupting the rally.

“Politics should not involve harming people,” Olweny said. “We urge supporters to remain calm and allow authorities to handle investigations.”

He added that campaign officials assisted in transporting the injured woman to the health facility and encouraged supporters not to take matters into their own hands.

Community leaders also expressed concern. Obwa John, Secretary to the LC I Chairperson and a resident of the area, said the incident was widely condemned by those who attended the rally.

“What happened did not please anyone,” Obwa said. “Politics come and go, but we remain brothers and sisters. Campaigns should continue peacefully.”

Attempts to contact representatives of the opposing political camp for comment were unsuccessful, and by press time, they had not responded to repeated calls.

As investigations continue, residents and local leaders are appealing for calm and urging political actors to prioritize the safety of civilians during campaign activities across Pader District.