Speak FM
  Stream radio
Menu
Speak FM
  2. Politics
  3. Gulu district NRM committee ousts chairperson and administrator over office lockout

Gulu district NRM committee ousts chairperson and administrator over office lockout

22 April 2026, 11:17 am

Gulu district NRM district Executive committee outside the party offices at Awach town council on 21 April 2026

By Gift Okello

The District Executive Committee (DEC) of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Gulu has resolved to remove its Chairperson, Ocen Christopher, and Administrator, Cana Brian Alaka following a controversial lockout at the party headquarters.

The resolution was passed during a DEC meeting convened at the NRM office in Awach Town Council. Members accused the duo of intentionally locking the premises to obstruct a scheduled vetting process for four NRM councilors vying for the district speakership.

District NRM Vice Chairperson, Ayot Harriet Liba, alleged that the Chairperson’s actions were a calculated move to avoid accountability regarding mounting accusations of incompetence and abuse of office. She further condemned the Administrator for the “unjustified” closure of a public party office.

Ayot Harriet Liba the vice chairperson NRM Gulu district on opening office and reporting matters to the NRM secretariate.

The meeting was reportedly forced to proceed partially outdoors after members found themselves barred from the building. Lakwonyero Denish Ocen who represent disability joined the condemnation, labeling the incident a “clear failure in leadership.”

Hon Ocen Denish Lakwonyero the disability representative Gulu district condemning the act
Hon Ayot Harriet Liba and Hon Lakwonyero Denish Ocen both centered with yellow wears outside party offices in Awach.

Andrew Ayella, Chairperson for Workers in Gulu District, added that the behavior of the top leadership has severely tarnished the party’s image within the region.

Andrew Ayella the chairperson NRM workers league condemning the acts.
Some of the NRM district executive committee members who were stranded outside the party headquarters at Awach Town council on Tuesday 21 April 2026.

In a rebuttal, Ocen Christopher denied any wrongdoing, claiming he received no formal notice of the meeting. He argued that, per party protocol, only the Chairperson holds the mandate to convene official meetings or delegate such authority.

Ocen further clarified that the office was closed because the Administrator had been officially deployed for duties in Kampala.

Mr. Christopher Ocen the Gulu district NRM chairman speaking against the allegations levied on him by the DEC.

Both Ocen and Cana were absent during the session in which the resolution for their removal was finalized.