NRM member's defection to UPC a hoax - Todwong

PIC: Ogwang recieving NRM cards from members who mdefected to UPC at Telela village in Aboko, Kole. (Credit: Patrick Okino)

POLITICS

National Resistance Movement (NRM) deputy secretary general Richard Todwong has rubbished claims that over 100 party members in Kole district defected to the Uganda People's Congress.

He described the alleged move as propaganda by the UPC.

Todwong was responding to claims that at least 180 NRM loyalists handed over their membership cards to UPC leaders in Kole North on Saturday. 

The alleged defectors accused their leaders of ignoring their programmes initiated to fight poverty.

In the wake of the allegations of defection, Todwong has said any such actors could have been frustrated members of the party.

"That is not true. That is a hoax and a person who joined NRM with conviction cannot just defect like that.

"If it is true, that means those are the people who joined NRM with high expectations of being appointed resident district commissioners and waited in vain," Todwong told New Vision on Tuesday.

The group had reportedly invited MPs Judith Alyek and Okello Bonny, as well as district LC5 chairperson Betty Nam for the launch of Can-Olola group, but none appeared.

The launch was at Telela ‘B' village in Aboke sub-county, Kole district.

They were officially launching chicken rearing project, where they are sourcing for sh50m to kick-start the project.

However, the group diverted to goat rearing following advice from UPC's Dr Peter Ogwang, a veterinary doctor and farmer, who offered the group 15 hybrid goats.

"We are unhappy with our leaders and I do not know if they wholeheartedly support our struggle to kick out poverty.

"We have spent about sh500,000 on printing invitation letters, transport and sending radio announcement, but none of them appeared," Sam Okello, a member, said.

MP Okello had sent his political assistance with a contribution of sh300,000, while Nam sh100,000.

The group in disappointment handed over their cards to Ogwang, who is a member of UPC eying Kole North seat.

"Thank you for joining UPC because you have realised that NRM is a party of the ‘childish,'" Ogwanga said.