The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has selected Minister of Health and Lira City Woman Member of Parliament, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, as the party’s Chairperson for Lira City.
Dr Aceng was declared unopposed in an internal election process that concluded peacefully within Lira City on Friday.
However, the situation was markedly different in Lira District, where the same party elections were marred by chaos and confusion, forcing electoral officials to suspend the process indefinitely.
However, the situation was markedly different in Lira District, where the same party elections were marred by chaos and confusion, forcing electoral officials to suspend the process indefinitely.
What was intended to be a routine internal election day turned turbulent, exposing tensions within the ruling party’s local structures.
Hundreds of NRM delegates from across Lira District had assembled at Ogur Seed Secondary School in Ogur Sub-county to participate in elections for various party leadership positions, including the district chairperson.
Hundreds of NRM delegates from across Lira District had assembled at Ogur Seed Secondary School in Ogur Sub-county to participate in elections for various party leadership positions, including the district chairperson.
The event began calmly, with candidates organizing transport for their supporters, creating the impression of a well-coordinated affair.
Yet the atmosphere quickly soured when reports emerged that some delegates were attempting to vote in multiple categories.
Yet the atmosphere quickly soured when reports emerged that some delegates were attempting to vote in multiple categories.
According to eyewitnesses, several individuals cast their votes in the Workers’ League and Entrepreneurship categories and then refused to vacate the venue, triggering suspicions they intended to vote again in other categories.
What followed was a breakdown in order, with shouting matches erupting between rival camps. Amid the growing disorder, election officials, unable to control the situation, opted to suspend the vote.
Moses Okello, the Lira District NRM Registrar, announced that elections for both the mainstream and women's leagues had been put on hold.
“We have suspended the elections for the mainstream and women's leagues due to the disorder. We shall communicate a new date after a thorough review of the situation,” Okello stated.
The contest for the NRM Lira District Chairperson seat has attracted significant attention, pitting incumbent Sam Engola, a veteran NRM politician, against Lira District Woman MP Linda Agnes Auma.
Auma openly accused the election registrar of bias, alleging interference in favor of her opponent. She criticized the suspension of the elections as an act of desperation.
“The registrar is interfering with the election. This suspension is nothing but the kicks of a dying horse. I am ready to skin them through the votes,” she said passionately.
In response, Engola dismissed the accusations and defended his long-standing service to the party.
“I have served this party faithfully for years. This contest is about experience and loyalty to our core values. I have been moving around and found out that the voters had been hidden,” Engola claimed, suggesting manipulation by rival camps.
In stark contrast to the turmoil in Lira District, Lira City’s internal elections were completed without incident. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, who faced no challengers, was declared NRM Chairperson unopposed—a development seen as a stabilizing moment for the party in the urban center.
Speaking after her confirmation, Dr Aceng emphasized the need to unify the party and reach out to disaffected members.
“This is an opportunity to unite our people and strengthen the NRM in Lira City. I will prioritize reconciliation and inclusivity. We must bring back those who have distanced themselves from the party,” she said.
Observers note that the stark difference in the conduct of the elections between Lira District and Lira City highlights the internal divisions and logistical challenges within the NRM’s local structures.
While the party has seen peaceful transitions in some areas, the chaos in others raises questions about transparency, fairness, and internal cohesion.
What followed was a breakdown in order, with shouting matches erupting between rival camps. Amid the growing disorder, election officials, unable to control the situation, opted to suspend the vote.
Moses Okello, the Lira District NRM Registrar, announced that elections for both the mainstream and women's leagues had been put on hold.
“We have suspended the elections for the mainstream and women's leagues due to the disorder. We shall communicate a new date after a thorough review of the situation,” Okello stated.
The contest for the NRM Lira District Chairperson seat has attracted significant attention, pitting incumbent Sam Engola, a veteran NRM politician, against Lira District Woman MP Linda Agnes Auma.
Auma openly accused the election registrar of bias, alleging interference in favor of her opponent. She criticized the suspension of the elections as an act of desperation.
“The registrar is interfering with the election. This suspension is nothing but the kicks of a dying horse. I am ready to skin them through the votes,” she said passionately.
In response, Engola dismissed the accusations and defended his long-standing service to the party.
“I have served this party faithfully for years. This contest is about experience and loyalty to our core values. I have been moving around and found out that the voters had been hidden,” Engola claimed, suggesting manipulation by rival camps.
In stark contrast to the turmoil in Lira District, Lira City’s internal elections were completed without incident. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, who faced no challengers, was declared NRM Chairperson unopposed—a development seen as a stabilizing moment for the party in the urban center.
Speaking after her confirmation, Dr Aceng emphasized the need to unify the party and reach out to disaffected members.
“This is an opportunity to unite our people and strengthen the NRM in Lira City. I will prioritize reconciliation and inclusivity. We must bring back those who have distanced themselves from the party,” she said.
Observers note that the stark difference in the conduct of the elections between Lira District and Lira City highlights the internal divisions and logistical challenges within the NRM’s local structures.
While the party has seen peaceful transitions in some areas, the chaos in others raises questions about transparency, fairness, and internal cohesion.
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