Oyam, Uganda – In a shocking turn of events, a voter bribery scandal has recently come to light in Oyam, resulting in the arrest of two suspects by the local police. The incident took place in Otwal Sub-County, within the Oyam district.
According to a statement issued by Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga police spokesperson, officers deployed to ensure security in the sub-county intercepted two individuals who were allegedly involved in voter bribery. The suspects were identified as Ocen Ronald, a 31-year-old resident of Minakulu Town Council, and Ogwal Robert, a 46-year-old resident of Kut Odongo Village, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) in Otwal Sub-County.
During the arrest, law enforcement authorities discovered a sum of Shs 150,000 in cash and a list of individuals believed to have received money from the suspects. The police have initiated investigations into the matter, which are currently underway at the Central Police Station (CPS) in Oyam. The collected evidence and statements will be compiled to form the basis of the suspects’ case for submission to the relevant authorities.
The ongoing Oyam North by-election has witnessed several incidents of violence and now the voter bribery scandal, causing significant concern among the local population. Today, over 93,000 eligible voters are participating in the by-election to elect their next Member of Parliament, who will succeed the late Charles Engola, former state minister for labor. Engola tragically lost his life on May 2 of this year after being shot by his own bodyguard.
The four candidates vying for the parliamentary seat are Daniel Okello from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Samuel Engola representing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Dr. Eunice Apio Otuko of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), and Newton Freddy Okello from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
The authorities are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process, free from any corrupt practices that could compromise the integrity of the by-election. Voter bribery is a serious offense under Ugandan law, and those found guilty can face legal consequences. The police, along with other relevant agencies, are working diligently to uphold the democratic values of the nation and ensure that justice is served in this case.
