NRM Kitgum seeks sh26m for treatment of assaulted sub-county chairperson

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The National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership in Kitgum district has urgently requested 26 million shillings from the party secretariat to cater for the medical treatment of its sub-county chairperson, Fred Olak Kamao, who was seriously injured in an alleged politically motivated assault.

Kamao, the NRM chairperson for Omiya Anyim West sub-county, was attacked on December 20, 2025, at about 5:00pm while attending a political rally convened by Opposition politician Member of Parliament (MP) Margret Lamwaka Odwar, an independent candidate for the Kitgum District Woman Member of Parliament seat.

According to Kitgum NRM administrator Innocent Geoffrey Nyero, the incident occurred after Kamao left his home in Labworomor village to purchase sesame from a local farmer in Ogili.

On arrival at Pella Central Village in Omiya Anyim, Kamao learned that the Kilam who was co-ordinating him to the farmer was attending Lamwaka’s rally and proceeded there to make contact.

At the rally, Kamao reportedly encountered Christine Atoo, the former NRM Women’s League chairperson for Omiya Anyim, who was recently expelled from the party for allegedly supporting Opposition candidates.

Nyero said Atoo alerted MP Lamwaka that Kamao was an NRM leader and a supporter of the incumbent Woman MP, Minister Lillian Aber.

Although initial confusion arose due to the presence of two individuals bearing the name Kamao, MP Lamwaka allegedly insisted that the NRM chairperson leave the rally.

As he walked away, he was reportedly attacked by a group of supporters. 

Witnesses allege that during the assault, some individuals were heard in a video shouting in Acholi, “waneko nyeri ”ako” loosely translated as “let us kill this man.”

Kamao sustained severe injuries, including a broken upper knee and a fractured pelvic joint.

He was first rushed to Omiya Anyim Health Centre III for emergency care before being referred to Yot Kom Medical Centre in Kitgum Municipality where orthopaedic specialists confirmed the extent of his injuries.

Doctors estimated that his treatment would cost shillings 26 million, a sum the district NRM leadership says he cannot afford.

Police involvement

Kitgum district Police commander Peter Owesigye confirmed the incident, stating that Police are reviewing video evidence and have already identified several suspects.

One suspect, Oscar Komagum, 23, has been arrested and is currently detained at Kitgum Central Police Station, while other suspects remain at large.

Owesigye added that the Police intend to summon Lamwaka to record a statement regarding the incident.

Nyero further revealed that Komagum had previously been arrested for vandalising campaign posters of President Yoweri Museveni and Minister Lillian Aber. That case, he said, is still before court after the suspect was released on bond.

NRM response

Kitgum NRM chairperson Emmanuel Lapyem said the party leaders in Kitgum have submitted all available evidence to its legal team, formally reported the matter to the Police, and informed the NRM Secretary General.

“We have requested financial assistance from the party to help Kamao access proper treatment. The cost is beyond his means, and we also want justice to take its course,” Lapyem said.

Dan Kidega intervenes

Meanwhile, former Speaker of the East African Parliament Dan Kidega has intervened to defuse rising tensions following the assault, which had reportedly sparked inter-clan confrontations.

On December 21, 2025, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong delegated Kidega to Kitgum after clashes erupted between members of the clan to which Kamao belongs and the Melong clan, into which MP Lamwaka is married.

The clashes had raised fears of further violence in Chua East County.

Kidega held meetings with the injured chairperson’s family and local leaders, helping to restore calm.

NRM party leaders later criticised Lamwaka who was once in NRM for allegedly inciting electoral violence, saying such conduct was unbecoming of a national leader.

Attempts to reach MP Lamwaka for comment were unsuccessful by press time, as she did not respond to repeated phone calls.

Electoral context

Lamwaka is contesting as an independent candidate against the NRM-flagbearer and State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees Lillian Aber (incumbent MP) and Roselyn Alanyo Olobo of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).

According to the Electoral Commission returning Officer for Kitgum Betty Atim Owot, the district has 119,752 registered voters: 47,673 in Chua East, 43,472 in Chua West, and 28,607 in Kitgum Municipality.

Presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for January 15, 2026.