Tension continues to simmer in Lamwo district following the declaration of incumbent chairperson Oyet Sisto Ocen as the winner of the Thursday National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primary election for the flag.
Oyet secured the flag ahead of the general election in 2026 with 15,900 votes, narrowly defeating his closest rival, Amone Jimmy, who garnered 15,053 votes, a difference of only 847 votes.
However, Amone has officially rejected the results, alleging widespread electoral malpractice, including voter bribery, ballot stuffing, and irregularities in the voters’ register. He refused to sign the official declaration forms issued by the NRM district registrar, citing a lack of transparency in both the voting and tallying processes.
“The election was marred by serious malpractice. I cannot endorse a process that lacked integrity and fairness. Until these issues are addressed, I do not accept the results,” Amone told journalists shortly after the announcement.
He claimed that several polling stations reported credible incidents of manipulation, but his repeated calls for investigations were ignored by the district electoral committee.
In contrast, Oyet Sisto Ocen, in his victory speech, thanked the people of Lamwo for their continued trust and pledged to focus on unity and service delivery. “This win is not just for me, but for all the people of Lamwo who believe in progress and continued leadership that prioritizes their needs,” he said.
Celebrations erupted among Oyet’s supporters following the announcement, while Amone’s camp expressed anger and disappointment, raising fears of further political unrest.
The Lamwo district NRM registrar, Okwera Denis Osborn, has dismissed claims of malpractice, defending the integrity of the electoral process. “We conducted this election in line with the party’s electoral guidelines.
“The process was open, and agents of all candidates were present during the counting and tallying of votes,” Okwera said.
He acknowledged receiving complaints from Amone’s team but insisted that most of the concerns raised could not be verified with credible evidence.
“We took note of all concerns, but many were not substantiated. As the district registrar, I ensured transparency, and I stand by the results as declared,” he added.
Okwera also urged candidates to use the official party structures to lodge any formal petition, saying the NRM has clear mechanisms to address grievances. “Any dissatisfied candidate is encouraged to file a formal complaint to the NRM electoral commission for review. Public incitement is not the solution,” he warned.
Community reactions
The election outcome has triggered mixed reactions across Lamwo district. Akot Brenda, a voter from Paloga sub-county, said the election left many young people disillusioned. “We were hopeful that these primaries would reflect the will of the people, but many of us saw money changing hands openly. It’s disappointing.”
Ojok Charles, a resident of Madi Opei, criticized the process but urged for calm. “Yes, there were irregularities, especially with the register, but we need peace. Let the party leadership investigate and resolve this issue amicably.”
Alanyo Sarah, a market vendor in Padibe, expressed support for Oyet’s victory. “Oyet has worked hard in the last term. People voted for continuity. The margin was small, but fair. Those who lost should accept defeat.”
Ochan David Kasisi, a councillor 5 for Lukung East sub-county in Lamwo district, questioned the transparency of the vote tallying. “I personally waited for results at the polling station, but what was declared at the district was different. We need answers.”
NRM district chairperson lames secretariat for register irregularities
In a related development, Lamwo district NRM chairperson, Odoch Polycarp, acknowledged inconsistencies in the voters register and blamed the challenges on the NRM secretariat in Kampala.
“This issue was not created here in Lamwo. The register we received had multiple errors, and we got many complaints from voters and candidates,” Odoch said.
He announced that the party would hold a dialogue meeting involving all candidates and stakeholders to de-escalate tension and preserve party unity.
NRM electoral guidelines for LC5 primaries
The NRM Electoral commission issues a clear set of guidelines to govern the conduct of party primaries for positions such as district chairperson (LCV). These are aimed at ensuring order, transparency, and fairness throughout the electoral process.
Key among them is; Mode of Voting: The primaries are conducted through lining up behind a candidate or their designated agent/poster, a method introduced in 2015. This is intended to be simple, fast, and cost-effective but has often drawn criticism over voter intimidation and lack of privacy.
Voter eligibility: Only registered members appearing on the official NRM Yellow Book are allowed to vote. Each voter must present a valid form of identification and be listed on the village register provided by the party.
Role of electoral officers: NRM appoints district and subcounty-level electoral officials, including registrars and presiding officers, who oversee the voting, counting, and result declaration process. These officers are required to act impartially and professionally.
Candidate agents: Each candidate is entitled to accredited polling agents at every station to observe and verify the process. Agents can raise objections on irregularities but must do so formally through returning officers.
Prohibited conduct: The use of bribery, ferrying of voters, intimidation, and incitement to violence is strictly prohibited. Violations may lead to disqualification, nullification of results, or disciplinary action by the party.
Dispute resolution: Any aggrieved candidate must lodge a written petition to the NRM Electoral Commission within 48 hours of declaration of results. The party provides an internal appeals process before considering legal channels.
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