As the country prepares for the Oyam County North by-election, here is what you should know about it.
The Electoral Commission (EC) released the Roadmap for conducting the by-election of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Oyam county North in Oyam district following the death of area MP Rtd.Col. Charles Engola on May 2, 2023, at his home in Kyanja.
Political temperatures in Oyam North Constituency have started to rise in anticipation of July 6, 2023, by-election to replace former MP and Minister Charles Okello Engola, who was shot dead last month.
According to EC’s roadmap, three political parties which include; UPC, NUP and FDC selected their flag bearers for the electoral race.
However, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is yet to announce its flag bearer, with 10 aspirants, including Sam Engola Junior, the late Minister’s son, all eyeing the party flag, ahead of a roadmap from the party’s secretariat.
According to Paul Bukenya, the EC Spokesperson, the nomination date for the polls is set for June 19, 2023, at Oyam District Registrar’s office, where the candidates are expected to officially declare their participation in the poll.
“The nomination of candidates will be conducted on Monday, June 19th to June 20, 2023 at the office of the District Returning Officer in Oyam,” he said.
Bukenya said that, the election cost is estimated at Ugx900 million.
Electoral Commission has identified the candidates that have showed interest as; Queen Dorothy Amolo, Okello Engola Junior, Richard Obangakene, Julius Peter Moto, Willy Omodo Omodo, Alfred Okello Oboro, Billis Obbo and Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku, among others.
One of the local authorities in Oyam district said that, National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has set Saturday, June 17, 2023, for holding the Constituency Delegates Conference to come up with a flag bearer for the party either through consensus or by voting.
Bukenya said that, display of the voters’ register was already conducted from May 30 to June 8, 2023 at all the 167 polling stations in Oyam County North.
He added that, nominated candidates will conduct campaign meetings for 13 days, from June 22 to July 4, 2023.
The EC Spokesperson noted that, voting and tallying of results for the by-election of the directly elected Member of Parliament will be conducted on July 6, 2023, at all polling stations in Oyam County North Constituency in Oyam district.
Isha Otto Amiza, the former Oyam South MP urged voters to look for a competent and well experienced representative that will carry forward the legacy of people of Oyam South Constituency.
“Our politics is not about local politics in Lango and villages around. Our politics in Oyam is about reputation at national and international grade, and that should be maintained,” Otto said.
