While meeting members of the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in Apire Parish, Aduku Sub County, over the weekend, Okae criticized NRM leaders in the district as incompetent and propagandists who have failed to deliver essential services to the community.
The recent move by Kwania North County Member of Parliament, Bob Okae, to eliminate National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters in Kwania District has sparked mixed reactions from local leaders and residents.
While meeting members of the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in Apire Parish, Aduku Sub County, over the weekend, Okae criticized NRM leaders in the district as incompetent and propagandists who have failed to deliver essential services to the community.
Okae, a staunch supporter of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), vowed to rid Kwania of NRM supporters and urged voters to elect only UPC flagbearers in the 2026 general elections.
//Cue in: “Tye jo okene …”
Cue out: “…pe iLango kan.”//
Translation: “Some people are saying Okae has no votes. That is propaganda by NRM who have nothing to show to the community. They are propagandists who have failed to offer services to the locals. I will finish all of them. I request you to vote for UPC because we have no NRM in Lango.”
Okae also addressed recent media reports about the disbursement of 100 million shillings to Members of Parliament, denying any involvement in the matter. He called the reports a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputation of opposition MPs.
//Cue in: “Wan otye wan …”
Cue out: “… ikodi cuny naca.”//
However, Okae’s remarks have drawn strong reactions from local NRM leaders and supporters. Patrick Onyum Okwang, the Atongtidi Sub County LC3 Chairman and an NRM member running for the NRM District Party Chairperson seat, dismissed Okae’s statement, calling it “day dreaming.”
//Cue in: “Alubere kede statement …”
Cue out: “… kede onyo bura.”//
Meanwhile, Achola Judith Eyer Ogwang, the NRM District Chairperson, said the party is actively strategizing to strengthen its support in the district. She also warned NRM members against double-dealing, stating that the party would take drastic action against any members who betrayed the party.
//Cue in: “Issue me kobo …”
Cue out: “… where to belong.”//
Achola, who contested the Kwania District Woman MP seat in the 2021 general election under the NRM ticket but lost to UPC's Auma Kenny, emphasized that NRM in Kwania would continue to grow stronger despite the challenges. “We are focused on strengthening NRM in the district,” she said.
The 2021 general elections saw a surprising turn of events in Kwania, a district once considered an NRM stronghold. The UPC made significant gains, securing key positions. According to the election results released by Tom Otetei, Electoral Commission (E.C.) Returning Officer for Kwania, UPC won 16 out of 26 district council seats, while NRM won only 9.
Additionally, UPC claimed 7 of the 11 Sub-County LC3 Chairperson positions, and the UPC candidate won the LCV Chairperson seat. Though NRM still won one Parliamentary seat, UPC succeeded in presenting two MPs to the 11th Parliament.
Solomon Okabo
Freelancer