By KT Reporter
National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates participating in the highly competitive race for the parliamentary flags in Zombo district have largely boycotted the joint campaigns. The NRM internal election, initially scheduled for July 16, 2025, was later rescheduled by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairman, Dr. Tanga Odoi, to July 17, 2025.
Ahead of the elections, a harmonization meeting was convened to plan joint campaigns; however, most candidates expressed strong reservations and rejected the idea. Many cited a lack of resources and logistical challenges as major barriers to facilitating joint campaign activities. Others voiced concerns about potential confrontations, use of abusive language, and malicious attacks between candidates and their supporters if joint campaigns went ahead.
Lawrence Biyika Songa, the incumbent Ora County MP, proposed conducting the joint campaign on the radio. However, the majority of candidates declined this suggestion. Prisca Unegiu, the Zombo district NRM returning officer, confirmed after the meeting at the district headquarters that candidates would be allowed to conduct individual campaigns. She urged candidates to campaign respectfully towards each other and voters.
Alex Jagen, a candidate vying for Ora County, supported the majority decision to reject joint campaigning.
Cue out: …not by insulting//” Pascal Apejunga, also known as Wod Okoro, a candidate for district chairman, disagreed with those opposing the joint campaign. He argued that the joint campaign would allow candidates to publicly counter misinformation and propaganda. Apejunga applauded the NRM Electoral Commission for proposing the joint campaign, criticizing opponents who fear the initiative.
Meanwhile, Zombo district police commander Denis Kamugisha pledged fair treatment for all candidates and urged them to demonstrate high integrity during the campaign period. A total of nine candidates have been nominated for the women’s MP race, five for Ora County, and five for Okoro County-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
