Mao congratulates, apologizes to Gulu mayor

The Democratic Party (DP) president general, Norbert Mao, has congratulated and apologized to Gulu municipality mayor-elect, George Labeja, after campaigning against him.

Incumbent Labeja retained the seat after eight other contestants in the Wednesday elections.

Among these was DP flag-bearer Geoffrey Otim whom Mao had campaigned for in the run-up to the polls.

During presidential campaigns, Mao and Labeja welcomed and campaigned for candidate Amama Mbabazi. But once the presidential campaigns were done and the mayoral campaign was its peak, the two parted ways, with Mao drumming support for DP's Otim.

During that time, the DP leader took an aim at Labeja by saying he had been dropped by the NRM party and that he is illiterate, and can neither speak English nor lobby for development of Gulu as opposed to Otim whom he said is better educated - with a Master's degree in Business Administration.

But despite that direct criticism, Labeja was re-elected into office.

"I convey to you my hearty congratulation for winning the mayoral race for Gulu municipality. The electioneering is over now and the people have spoken in your favor," read Mao's congratulatory letter to the mayor-elect.

"I congratulate you for running an energetic campaign which contributed to your victory. It was been consistent teaching to our people that they should exercise their freedom of choice and that every choice comes with consequences".

He added:  "My teaching was not motivated by an ill-will or any negative sentiment but rather by the overflowing love I have for our people".

Mao said that even though the heat of the campaigns polarized opinions and pitted contending parties against each other, they should remain united in desire for better municipality and wishes Labeja the best in his new mandate as mayor of Gulu municipality.

In the message, Mao appeals for unity in Gulu as the only way to overcome polarization of the recent electioneering, and focus on the interest of the people.



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