Updates: Amuru by-election

Interparty joint candidate Lucy Akello casts her vote at St Veronica primary schoolin Olwal parish- Lamogi sub county. Photo by Cissy Makumbi

What you need to know:

At about 1:15, Ms Pauline Achan independent arrived at Lacor Primary School polling station and voted.
Ms Achan, however noted that the election has been marred by intimidation by the NRM operatives

By 10:29, Interparty Coalition Candidate, Ms Lucy Akello, had arrived at St Veronica polling station and she immediately joined the queue and voted at 10:49.

Ms Akello was accompanied by DP President Mr Norbert Mao and later joined by the leader of opposition in Parliament, Wafula Oguttu.
After casting her vote, Ms Akello, noted that she is sure of the victory, adding that her name Lucy means light.

DP’s Mao, said he accompanied Ms Akello on behalf of the other parties, adding that after winning in Amuru, they are heading to Busia for the LCV position to do the same.

Leader of Opposition in parliament Wafula Oguttu (L), DP chairman Norbert Mao and Amuru Interparty coalition candidate Lucy Akello share light moment

“We have gone through intimidations by the NRM, but we have not lost hope and the victory is with us, IPC is a united force struggling for democracy in Uganda , Amuru, is already in the bag. Ms Akello is suitable to suit in the shoes of the incumbent Betty Bigombe.” Mao said

NRM’s Jane Frances Amongin Okili, arrived at St veronica polling station at 11:18 and she cast her vote at 11:23. She was in company of her Husband, Johnson Okili.

After casting her vote, Ms Okili said there is no doubt that she is the MP to be.

“Locals are tired of politics, they want development and it’s only me who can steer it.” She said
Wafula Oguttu, who was monitoring the voting process in Lamogi, cited campaigning songs playing next to Otici Polling station in Amuru and promoting NRM’s Okili, adding that they (Opposition) had informed the police to intervene. However, the NRM Chairperson, Juma Labonga, said those who were playing music were just drunk.

Independent candidate Pauline Achan after casting her vote at Lacor primary school. Photo by Cissy Makumbi

At about 1:15, Ms Pauline Achan independent arrived at Lacor Primary School polling station and voted.
Ms Achan, however noted that the election has been marred by intimidation by the NRM operatives.

“One of my agents in Pabbo Sub County has been beaten and many polling agents have been chased from the polling stations without clear reasons.” She lamented.

Other issues spotted in the voting process include: Missing names and pictures, trekking for kilometers since some polling station have been shifted.

Registrar electoral commission Amuru District, Mr Sam Olet, confirmed receiving complaints that people’s names are missing on the voters register.

The Amuru by-election follows the resignation of the incumbent Ms Betty Bigombe late this year, after securing a World Bank Job.

Other contestants in the race are; Ms Suzan Adokorach Bwoch -Conservative Party and Caroline Aber Independents.