By Annet Nakanwagi,
NATIONAL
There are countable days to the polling date of Gogonyo county by election in Pallisa district and at least three candidates have been nominated to contest for this seat.
They are Okoboi Joseph Opolot (NUP), former Pallisa district LCV Chairperson Issa Bantalib Taligola (Independent) and Orone Derrick (NRM), the area member of parliament whose election was nullified by court of appeal.
Many opposition political parties have not fielded candidates as it used to be in the previous by elections.
Forum for Democratic Change deputy Secretary General, Harold Kaijja says that the FDC is backing Okoboi Joseph Opolot and pledged to mobilize support for him in the upcoming election.
“The FDC has not nominated a Candidate for Gogonyo MP in Pallisa District. We encourage our supporters to support the NUP candidate,” said Kaijja
It should be recalled that in the recently concluded by election in Soroti, the National Unity Platform did not field a candidate but backed FDC’s Okia Moses Attan. To political analysts, this is a spirit of togetherness among the two parties in a concerted effort to end Museveni’s long term rule
The Parliamentary seat for Gogonyo County fell vacant in June following a court ruling which set aside the results of the 2021 Elections.
On Tuesday, the Pallisa district Electoral Commission returning officer, Daniel Othieno declared Opolot, Taligola and Orone the duly nominated candidates for the Gogonyo by election.
Paul Bukenya, the acting spokesperson for the EC says that the nominated candidates will conduct campaign meetings for seven (7) days, that is, from Wednesday 3rd August till Tuesday 9th August, 2022.
There are 4 sub counties that make up Gogonyo county; Obutete, Gogonyo, Opopongo and Kaukula with a total of 62 polling stations
Polling and tallying of results for by-election of Member of Parliament will be conducted on Thursday 11th August, 2022.
The race is stiffly between Issa Taligola, who served as Pallisa district LCV Chairperson for two terms and Orone Derrick, the area MP.
In related stories, four candidates have been nominated for the Bukimbiri county by election in Kisoro district. They are James Owebeyi (FDC), Eddie Kwizera (NRM), Turyagyenda Asigario and Edward Mutabazi both independent.
Daniel Nayebare, the Kisoro district returning officer has assured the four candidates of a free and fair election. He siad, the EC is working hand in hand with security to ensure a peaceful election.
Bukimbiri county will also go on polls on Thursday 11th August, 2022.
