By Annet Nakanwagi,
OYAM
Electoral Commission has successfully nominated two candidates for the forthcoming Oyam North county MP by-election on their first day of nomination.
The nominees are Dr. Okello Newton Freddy (FDC) and Apio Eunice Otuko (UPC). They were dully nominated earlier today morning at Oyam district council hall.
Speaking to journalists at the FDC party headquarters shortly after the nomination of their candidate, Patrick Oboi Amuriat the party president appealed to electorates in Oyam North county to support Dr . Okello Newton Freddy. He warned the Electoral Commission, security forces against disenfranchise, voter intimidation and other irregularities as it was a case in the recently concluded Bukedea district LCV by-election.
“As usual, coming from Bukedea and a type of election as it was, the party understands how the Oyam by election must be managed. We hope the police and security forces do not continue to traumatize the people of Oyam and Northern Uganda by killing and arresting with no crime members of the constituency and leaders who come to offer democratic and civil support to their candidate,” he warned.
Amuriat was uncertain on whether FDC will run to court to contest what he termed as the sham electoral results of Bukedea LC V by-election but , he instead insisted that they are going in Oyam to deliver a people’s protracted victory than being shaken by any intimidation.
The Oyam North county MP Seat fell vacant after the death of Hon. Col. Charles Okello Engola (Rtd), the minister of state for labour who was gunned down by his bodyguard Pte Wilson Sabiiti who later shot himself dead on May 2.
Latest developments indicate that two more candidates Daniel Okello (NUP), Samuel Okello Engola (NRM) have also been nominated today afternoon bringing the numbers to now four successfully nominated candidates.
Other candidates expected to take part in the nomination exercise tomorrow are Omodo Willy Kagere and Amolo Queen Dorothy (independents) have expressed interest in this seat.
Paul Bukenya, the commission’s spokesperson told reports on Monday that the nomination exercise for interested candidates will end tomorrow (Tuesday 20th June, 2023) at 5PM.
In a roadmap issued by the Electoral Commission, candidates will conduct campaigns from 22nd June to 4th July, 2023 and voting day will be on on 6th July 2023.
