NRM officials arrested in Oyam district over alleged vote rigging

21 July 2025, 8:38 am

By the editorial team

Police in the North Kyoga Region are holding Bosco Onyik Ogwal, the Oyam District NRM Chairperson, and Jackline Adong, the District Registrar, over allegations of electoral malpractice.

The pair were arrested on Sunday in Lira City after being summoned by the Regional Police CID in connection with the disputed Oyam North NRM primary elections. Their arrest follows widespread tension and accusations of vote rigging during the announcement process, with both Onyik and Adong heavily criticised for allegedly manipulating results in favour of another candidate, sidelining Samuel Junior Engola Okello.

The controversy centres on the declaration of Omodo Willy as the winner of the primaries by Registrar Jackline Adong — a decision rejected by all other aspirants and the majority of NRM supporters.

Muno Daniel Douglas, the NRM General Secretary, claimed that details surrounding the arrests appeared to be politically motivated propaganda, noting that the information was mainly circulating on social media, particularly during this sensitive political season.

However, Samuel Junior Engola Okello confirmed in a speech that he was summoned to the regional police headquarters to make a statement, which subsequently led to an arrest.

This incident marks a historic first — never before have both a District NRM Chairperson and Registrar been arrested since the creation of Oyam District, formerly part of Apac. Many locals are now questioning the current NRM leadership, accusing it of corruption, bias, and weakness, warning that such practices could erode the party’s popularity in the district.

Five aspirants contested for the NRM flag in the Oyam North Constituency: Willy Omodo, Stephen Okello Marioshoni, Billie Otoo, Daniel Bala, and Wilbert Otala.