Opposition
candidates nominated for the Dokolo Parliamentary By-Election have decried the
high levels of intimidation being exerted on them.
The
candidates who expressed fear for their lives and their supporters, want the Electoral Commission to provide them with enough security.
Anna Grace
Lalam, an Independent candidate cited intimidation from the ruling National Resistance Movement- NRM party, saying the party never wanted her to be nominated.
//Cue in: “Being
nominated, I ….
Cue out: ...
favorably with others.”//
Harriet Ageno, from the National Unity Platform (NUP) accused her
opponents of defacing her campaign posters and threatening her.
//Cue in: “I
was shocked…
Cue out:
... is a woman.”//
Despite
the intimidation, the two women candidates have promised improved
services such as health, education, and road networks across the district.
//Cue in: “The
message that…
Cue out:
...reusable sanitary pads.”//
But according
to Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Police spokesperson, no candidate has
reported such a case of intimidation to Police. He said police is ready to protect every
candidate and their supporters.
//Cue in: “We
didn’t register…
Cue out: …been
duly nominated.”//
Erikwanie
Ngobi, the Dokolo District Registrar explained that no candidate is allowed to
campaign at the moment until after the harmonization of campaigns. He urged all
nominated candidates to attend the meeting.
//Cue in: “We
have a…
Cue out: …
conduct our campaigns.”//
On the
other hand, Jimmy James Michael Akena, the UPC Party president who accompanied
the party's candidate Sarah Aguti Nyangkori for nomination, assured their
supporters of a clear win, regardless of any interference saying UPC learnt a lot
from the Oyam by-election.
//Cue in: “Sarah
is a …
Cue out:
... rig this election.”//
Meanwhile
Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the FDC Party president is hopeful that the by-election
will be free and fair without interference.
//Cue in: “Our
expectation is…
Cue out: …
of this country.”//
He warned
the government against denying the people of Uganda service delivery because
they are voting for opposition politicians.
//Cue in: “Government
in power…
Cue out: …
must serve them.”//
On Monday,
the Electoral Commission opened nomination for aspirants vying to occupy the
vacant Dokolo Woman Member of Parliament seat following the death of MP Cecilia Barbara Atim Ogwal in January this year. At least six candidates including
Janet Rose Adongo Elau from NRM party, Rosemary Austin Alwoc Ogwal from FDC,
Sarah Aguti Nyangkori from UPC were nominated.
Others are
Harriet Ageno from NUP, Esther Akullo Obot, and Anna Grace Lalam, both are independent
candidates.