Veteran National Resistance Movement (NRM) leader for Soroti District and Special Presidential Advisor, Charles Elasu, has officially announced plans to withdraw from the highly contested Soroti District NRM Chairmanship race, dismissing widespread rumors that he had been bribed with UGX 100 million to pave the way for another candidate.
The polls are scheduled for tomorrow Friday.
Addressing the press on Thursday Afternoon, Elasu made an emotional and firm statement, denouncing the viral claims circulating on social media platforms, especially WhatsApp groups in the Teso sub-region.
The claims alleged that Elasu had been handed UGX 100 million in a behind-the-scenes deal to step down in favor of Hon. Edmund Ariko, the Member of Parliament for Soroti City East Division.
The unverified reports further claimed that the transaction was orchestrated by Soroti District leaders, including Mr. Edoru Simon and Eumu, who allegedly transported Elasu to Parliament on May 21, 2025, where the so-called “deal” was sealed.
“These reports are false, malicious, and intended to destroy my character,” Elasu stated with visible emotion. “Let me be clear, I did not receive any money, let alone UGX 100 million, from anyone. I met with the Speaker of Parliament purely on official matters, not on political transactions,” he emphasized. “I Stand for Integrity”
Elasu underscored that his long-standing political journey within the NRM has always been guided by the principles of honesty and unity, especially within the party ranks.
He noted that while he did indeed travel to Kampala recently, it was for official business and not part of any clandestine political bargain.
“These are the works of desperate individuals who seek to drag my name into the mud. I urge all NRM members and the public to treat these rumors with the contempt they deserve,” he said. “My political life is an open book. I have never sold my conscience, and I never will.”
The senior NRM figure said he is taking time to deeply reflect on the situation created by the smear campaign and will soon communicate his final position on whether to formally continue or completely withdraw from the race.
However, he stressed that whatever path he chooses will prioritize party cohesion and the unity of the NRM fraternity in Soroti.
Despite the controversy, Elasu used the opportunity to express his unwavering loyalty to the NRM and to affirm his continued support for “Team New Energy,” a faction within the NRM led by Calvin Echodu, who is vying for the National Vice Chairperson (Eastern Region) seat on the Central Executive Committee (CEC).
“I remain a steadfast NRM leader. My values and political beliefs are in harmony with the progressive ideals that Team New Energy represents. We are focused on revitalizing the party and giving it new life, especially in Eastern Uganda,” Elasu declared.
Elasu’s declaration has effectively narrowed the Soroti District NRM chairmanship race to three contenders: Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko Okworo from Awaliwal Sub-county, Justine Owoja Edeku, also from Awaliwal, and Moses E. Eriau from Katine Sub-county.
The race has gained traction in recent weeks as aspirants campaign vigorously ahead of the voting exercise, which is scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025, at Asuret Core Primary Teachers College.
According to James Egaru, the NRM District Registrar for Soroti, the voting will be conducted by lining up behind candidates, a method adopted by the party to ensure transparency and quick tallying of results.
“Verification of eligible voters will begin at 9:00 AM, and the elections will close at 2:00 PM,” Egaru confirmed. “We expect a peaceful and orderly process, and we urge all candidates to respect the outcome of the vote.”
Elasu’s announcement has generated mixed reactions across the district.
While some party faithful applauded his decision to step aside in the interest of unity, others expressed disappointment, saying his exit deprives the race of an experienced and stabilizing figure.
“Charles Elasu is a father figure in Teso politics. Whether he stood or not, he remains a pillar of wisdom. What hurts is that his name was dragged through the mud without evidence,” said Sarah Atim, a youth from Asuret Sub-county.
Others argued that the rumors of bribery may have been a tactic by rival camps to undermine his credibility and push him out of the race prematurely.
“These kinds of smear campaigns are becoming a norm in party politics. If we don’t learn to disagree respectfully, we will destroy good leaders with falsehoods,” lamented Paul Ocen, an NRM elder from Katine.
The Soroti District NRM chairmanship seat is seen as a strategic position, especially with the upcoming general elections in 2026.
Whoever takes the seat will play a critical role in mobilizing grassroots support, coordinating party activities, and defending the NRM’s political ground in the district.
With the party still healing from previous electoral setbacks in parts of Teso, including Soroti City, the leadership contest has gained attention from regional power brokers and national figures alike.
The emergence of Calvin Echodu’s “Team New Energy” has also infused a generational dynamic into the race, with younger leaders seeking to redefine the party’s future in the East.
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