Acom speaking yesterday in Bugondo Sub County. Photo/Teso Vibes/Facebook
The battle for the Serere District Woman MP seat in the forthcoming National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries has taken an explosive turn following revelations from the Commissioner for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation in the Ministry of Water and Environment, Eng. Dr Joseph Oriono Eyatu, that he is openly funding candidate Esther Lucy Acom to challenge the incumbent State Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa.
Eyatu’s startling admission, captured in a widely circulated video recorded during a campaign meeting in Kyere Sub County last week, has triggered a fierce backlash among voters and raised alarm bells over ethics and legality in public service.
In the viral clip, Eyatu addresses supporters, waving aside speculation about his involvement and confirming his financial and logistical support for Acom’s campaign.
“They have been saying I am not supporting Acom. It’s a lie and I have come to tell you I am supporting Acom 100%,” Eyatu declared emphatically, drawing immediate condemnation from rivals.
His blunt confession ends weeks of rumours about who was bankrolling Acom’s well-coordinated challenge against Minister Adoa, one of the ruling party’s high-profile women leaders in Teso sub-region.
According to Uganda’s Public Service Standing Orders and the Constitution, civil servants are strictly prohibited from engaging in partisan politics, including funding or campaigning for candidates.
These rules are designed to ensure neutrality and prevent abuse of office.
Critics argue Eyatu’s actions represent a glaring violation of these principles.
“This is abuse of public office, plain and simple,” said Samuel Edeu, an NRM mobiliser in Serere. “He is using his influence as a commissioner to fight a sitting minister in the same government he works for.”
Beyond the legal questions, voters have expressed anger at the perceived betrayal by a senior technocrat who should be serving all citizens impartially.
“If you want to join politics, resign first,” said Alice Ikomolo, a resident of Kateta. “You can’t eat government salary with one hand while fighting government officials with the other.”
Compounding the controversy, Eyatu used the same campaign event to criticise the state of service delivery in Serere, including sectors falling under his own docket as commissioner.
He pointed to persistent water supply problems, sanitation gaps, and budgetary shortfalls, blaming what he called “failures in leadership” without acknowledging that these challenges also reflect on the ministry where he serves.
Political observers called this hypocritical.
“He is effectively blaming Minister Adoa for problems he himself has failed to solve in government. That’s cynical politics,” said Paul Emuron, a Soroti-based political analyst.
The controversy has rocked the NRM primaries in Serere, threatening to deepen rifts within the party.
While Minister Adoa has avoided direct personal attacks in response, her campaign team and supporters have not been so restrained.
“This is an insult to the NRM structures and to the President’s call for unity,” said Steven Otim, an NRM supporter in Kyere. “Eyatu should be investigated and disciplined.”
Party leaders in Serere have signaled they plan to escalate the matter to the NRM Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Public Service.
“We want the rules applied fairly. No civil servant should use their position to interfere in our primaries,” said one senior NRM leaders in Serere who asked not to be named to avoid internal tensions.
Ugandan law is unambiguous about civil servants and politics.
The Public Service Standing Orders forbid public officers from: Taking part in political campaigns, Funding political activities and Using their offices to advance partisan interests.
Offenders risk disciplinary measures, including reprimand, suspension, demotion, or even dismissal.
“By openly admitting to funding Acom, Eyatu has practically handed evidence to the Public Service Commission on a silver platter,” said constitutional lawyer Miriam Nabiso. “It’s a serious breach.”
Beyond disciplinary action, some fear his actions could cast a shadow over the credibility of the NRM primaries in Serere, sowing division that could hurt the party’s performance in 2026.
“If we fight among ourselves like this, the opposition will be laughing all the way to victory,” warned Patrick Ekaju, another NRM activist.
The Serere Woman MP race is among the most watched contests in the region. Minister Adoa, known for her combative but charismatic style, has built a strong grassroots network and touts her record on development projects and fisheries management.
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