Tororo teetering on the edge as NRM primaries loom

TORORO - Tororo district is teetering on the edge as politically motivated violence mars events leading to ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries. 

Just a day before the primaries set for July 17, 2025, several people have been hospitalised due to clashes between rival candidates' supporters, raising serious concerns about the fairness and safety of the electoral process.

West Budama North East and West Budama South constituencies have become the epicentres of this escalating unrest, prompting urgent calls for intervention from the authorities.  

The violence stems from an alleged confrontation on Tuesday night between the incumbent West Budama North East Member of Parliament Fox Odoi and voters in Padula village, Paya sub-county, resulting in injuries and widespread anger.

Today, this anger spilt onto the streets of Paya trading centre. Protestors, armed with placards reading: "Please no more campaigns at night," "Paya is bigger than you, be warned," and "Police isn't a tool for failed candidates," marched through the centre, chanting "We're tired of bad leaders!"  

They directly accuse both the incumbent MP and the LC3 chairperson of Paya sub-county of deliberately orchestrating the violence through night-time campaigning.

“The night campaigning is unacceptable. We are tired of the intimidation and fear it creates.  We demand an end to it immediately,” Paya Central LC 1 chairperson Elizabeth Andera said. 

Given the escalating violence, voters are demanding immediate intervention to prevent further unrest, calling specifically for a ban on night-time campaigning.

“We are living in fear. We need the authorities to act decisively to stop this violence before someone is killed,” pleaded Valriano Ochwo, a resident and voter in West Budama North East.

I am innocent

However, Fox Odoi, who was encountered at the Bukedi Region Police Station where he had reported a counteraccusation of his team being attacked, maintains his innocence, arguing that no law prohibits him from campaigning at any time.

“That is stupidity! Who is that idiot putting baseless accusations against me? Tell me which law bars me as a citizen of Uganda to move anywhere in Uganda and West Budama North East at any time of the night.  Even if the NRM had a rule about campaign hours, it doesn't apply to me as the sitting Member of Parliament,” Odoi said.

West Budama South tense

Meanwhile, in West Budama South, the situation is equally tense. 

At least four of the eight candidates challenging incumbent Dr Emmanuel Otaala, including Solomon Oketcho, Emokol Onyango, George Oketcho, and Laban Langa have sought refuge at Tororo Central Police Station and the NRM office in Tororo, seeking protection and intervention to restore order.

These candidates allege that Otaala has used violence as a campaign tactic.

“I was in Iyolwa sub-county, placing election agents when Otaala's supporters, fearing his imminent defeat, attacked us. They beat up my supporters, stoned our vehicle, and chanted threats against me personally,” recounted Solomon Oketcho.

Emokol Onyango, another candidate in the constituency, also faulted the incumbent MP  for orchestrating violence against his opponents. 

“This man moves with goons, their faces covered, wielding huge sticks.  Weeks ago, in Iyolwa, my supporters were beaten, and despite reporting the incident to the police, there has been no response,” Emokol claimed. 

On his part, Laban Langa called on the NRM electoral commission to use the guidelines that was given to every candidate in disqualifying MP Otaala from the race. 

“What the incumbent has done during this campaign period should lead to his disqualification.  It's unacceptable for the party to tolerate this blatant disregard for the law and guidelines,” Langa stated.

Otaala, however, defends his use of security personnel, dismissing allegations of orchestrating violence.

“I don't move with goons; my security guards are constituents. Unlike someone who openly displays two pistols and armed entourage, who is more of a threat?  Me, accompanied by unarmed civilians, or someone openly flaunting weapons in public?” Otaala countered.

Police calls for political maturity

Police confirmed receiving complaints from both constituencies and stated that investigations are underway.  

Bukedi South Police region spokesperson Mose Mugwe appealed for political maturity during this electioneering period. 

“The candidates must prioritise protecting lives and upholding the law. They are aware of the guidelines and the numerous engagements we’ve had with them, which prohibit clandestine security measures.  Let's prioritize peace so the people can freely choose their leader, rather than resorting to violence,” Mugwe said.