Acholi Politicians Take Advantage of Covid19 Campaign to Popularise Candidature

Politicians in Acholi sub region have taken advantage of the Covid19 sensitisation camp to keep their hopes alive ahead of the 2021 general elections. 

Dozens of politicians eyeing different political offices have developed COVID-19 messages and paid-for spot messages to air on local FM radios.  Several others have printed posters with their pictures carrying tips on how to prevent the Covid19 infection. 

According to the politicians, including incumbents and new entrants, the sensitisation messages are meant to help them to reach out to voters because of the ban on public gatherings to curtail the spread of the pandemic. Robert Larubi, who is eyeing Toci County parliamentary seat in Omoro District as an Independent crafted his message with an Indian-English accent to catch the attention of voters.

//Cue in: “Dear countrymen...      

Cue out ... about body weakness.”// 

Betty Laika, another aspirant for the Omoro District Woman parliamentary seat, says the Covid19 guidelines issued by government need to be reinforced through various approaches for the benefit of the local population.  

//Cue in: “This virus is.... 

 

Cue out ... things are possible.”// 

   

Nancy Atimango, who intends to contest for the Gulu Municipality seat, says she translated her message in the local language to benefit grassroots people. Anthony Akol, the incumbent Kilak North County MP in Amuru District has also printed posters with Covid19 messages encouraging his electorates to observe government guidelines. 

Despite this, it is still unclear whether or not the elections will take place given the effects the pandemic has had on the election road map. The lock down has affected the gazetting and publication of candidate’s nomination dates and venues, which should have been ongoing this month, according to the 2020-2021 road-map issued by Electoral Commission-EC.