Mixed reactions trail NRM elections in Oyam district amidst allegations of irregularities

24 May 2025, 9:58 am

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Mixed reactions have emerged among voters and leaders following the NRM party structure elections in Oyam district.

Controversy arose after the election of the chairperson, where 480 voters were expected to cast their ballots, but the total votes tallied were 486, exceeding the expected number by six voters across 30 subcounties

The election results were as follows: For the position of NRM Chairperson: – Bosco Onyik Ogwal – 271 votes (Winner)

– Engola Junior Okello – 192 votes (Second place)

– Patrick Ogwal Ojok – 23 votes (Third place)

For Secretary Publicity:- Billy Otoo – 335 votes (Winner)

– Bismark Isaac Olang (Unity FM, Lira) – 67 votes (second place)

– Phillips Ogile Jakayo (Former Publicity Secretary) – 12 votes (Third place)

Following the announcement, Engola Junior Okello rejected the results, claiming that individuals from Lira, led by Willy Omodo Omodo, had forcefully taken his voters, causing him to lose.

He has since petitioned the NRM office to nullify the election results and conduct a fresh election under fair conditions.

This election was not free and fair, Engola said, calling upon Dr. Tanga Odoi, the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, to intervene. If this continues, NRM will not win any big positions in Oyam due to the influence of some people who think they are the only party members.

On the other hand, Bosco Onyik Ogwal, the declared winner, expressed excitement and welcomed the results, stating that he would wait to see how the situation unfolded.

In his acceptance speech, Billy Otoo, the newly elected Publicity Secretary, urged all candidates to focus on presenting their development plans rather than resorting to insults when seeking votes.

He emphasised his commitment to uniting party members who had been divided under the previous leadership, aiming to strengthen the NRM in Oyam district.

Phillips Ogile Jakayo, the former Publicity Secretary, accepted defeat and encouraged the new leadership to work hard in eliminating UPC in Oyam district, which had gained significant ground during the previous regime. He pledged his total commitment to the NRM party.

Some voters expressed mixed reactions regarding the election process.

Attempts to get a comment from NRM Oyam District Registrar, Jackyline Adong were unsuccessful during the voting process due to her busy schedule with election proceedings. However, reports indicate that she later declared Bosco Onyik Ogwal the winner in her office, denying the petition submitted by Engola Junior Okello.