NRM bosses in court over alleged vote rigging in Oyam

OYAM - Two senior leaders of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party in Oyam district are facing charges related to falsifying results in the party’s recent Oyam North constituency primaries.

The suspects: Oyam district NRM chairperson Bosco Onyik Ogwal and district registrar Jacqueline Adong were summoned to North Kyoga Regional Police headquarters in Lira city, where they were questioned, detained overnight, and the following day returned to Oyam Central Police Station (CPS).

They are now expected to appear before a Magistrate’s Court to answer to charges of electoral malpractice.

According to North Kyoga region Police spokesperson, Patrick Jimmy Okema, the arrests stem from a formal complaint lodged by parliamentary aspirants Stephen Okello (alias Marisona) and Samuel Okello Engola Junior on 21st July 2025.

“The complaint was registered at Oyam CPS at around 12:08am, alleging serious irregularities in the tallying of results from several sub-counties in Oyam North,” Okema said.

Protest over alleged vote manipulation

The NRM primaries were held across the country on July 17, 2025, with results from Oyam South Constituency announced smoothly in the early hours of the following morning.

Trouble started during the declaration of results for Oyam North, where the two aspirants rejected the outcome, claiming the figures had been tampered with to favour rival candidate Willy Omodo Omodo.

Police say the aggrieved aspirants stopped district registrar Jacqueline Adong from announcing the winner. They exited the tally centre peacefully and opted to report the matter to the Police.

Investigations and sanctions

A joint investigation was undertaken by detectives from North Kyoga and Police headquarters under General Enquiry File (GEF) 12/2025. The probe was led by ACP Bob Kagarura and D/SSP Daniel Batte.

Okema noted that statements were recorded from key witnesses, and evidence reviewed before the case file was submitted to the Resident State Attorney for legal advice. It was sanctioned for prosecution, and the two suspects were prepared for court.

By press time on July 22, both were in the courtroom awaiting their appearance before a magistrate.

Under scrutiny

The Oyam North incident adds to the growing number of complaints emerging from the just-concluded NRM party primaries. The constituency remains a high-stakes zone, especially following the death of former MP Col (rtd) Charles Okello Engola in 2023.

As the 2026 general elections approach, internal party disputes over credibility and transparency continue to threaten the NRM’s grassroots cohesion.

Several aspirants from Lango have rejected the results, saying the votes were manipulated and they would contest as independents if their grievances are not addressed.