By Emmanuel Okol
Former National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Ngariam County, Daniel Mulalu, has urged voters from 83 polling stations in the constituency to demand the five million shillings promised to them by State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, during the last elections.
Speaking at the burial of Rtd prison’s officer John Okello, over the weekend, Mulalu alleged that during the NRM primaries, Minister Ogwang promised each polling station that if it returned zero votes for Mulalu, the village would receive a cash package of Shs. 5 million by July 19, 2025.
According to Mulalu, the promise appears to have been a political tactic that has now left voters frustrated and empty-handed.
“Eighty-three polling stations listened and gave me zero votes, but as I speak today, not a single one of those stations has received even a coin of that pledge, and it is almost a month since the deadline,” Mulalu said.
Mulalu estimated that fulfilling the pledge would require the minister to deliver approximately Shs. 415 million in total.
“Those propagandists will be ashamed,” Mulalu declared. “I call upon the people of Ngariam not to participate in violent elections but to engage in peaceful and respectful campaigns.”
The former candidate also called upon fellow politicians in Ngariam and the wider Katakwi District to uphold a higher standard of political engagement.
He challenged them to focus on service delivery and clear policy proposals rather than divisive tactics or intoxicating youth with alcohol.
“Let leaders come and tell the people what they intend to do, instead of spoiling young people with waragi, alcohol, and other vices,” Mulalu stressed.
“Politics should not be about who can buy the most drinks or hand out the most promises. It should be about who has the best ideas and the will to serve.”
Mulalu encouraged voters to hold all leaders accountable for promises made during campaigns, including the Shs. 5 million pledge per village that he claims was also echoed by other leaders during the primaries.
When this reporter spoke to some residents from affected villages, they expressed both disappointment and defiance.
“In our village, only the polling agents and about ten voters supported Mulalu and Augustin Otuko,” said one villager. “But since we voted as we were told and gave zero votes to Mulalu, we expect the minister to honour his word. We are ready to say, no Shs. 5 million, no vote in 2026.”
Another voter added, “We are even willing for the minister to deduct the portion meant for the few voters who did not comply, but the rest of us must get our share. Otherwise, he should not expect our support again.”
Meanwhile, Clare Apuno, former aspirant for Katakwi Woman MP and a political ally of Vice President, H.E. Rtd Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, praised the VP’s leadership and called for unity in the district ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“I have come to support my sister, not to fight her in politics, but to ensure that everyone benefits from her office,” Apuno said, adding that Alupo’s resilience and commitment to Katakwi and Uganda at large have been evident in her work.
Apuno urged the people of Katakwi to rally behind the vice president in 2026, recalling the overwhelming support she received in the NRM primaries.
“We massively won with 88% in the primaries, but in the final elections we must aim for 99.9%,” she stated confidently.
In a separate message, Catechist Joseph Ejiet used his sermon to appeal for unity, forgiveness, and peace during the campaign period.
He urged the people of Ngariam and Katakwi to resist politics of hatred, violence, and self-interest.
“Let us uphold the fruits of harmony, unity, and forgiveness during and after the elections,” Ejiet said. “Avoid leaders who are self-centred and driven by personal gain. True leadership is about service, not division.”
The developments come at a time when political tensions in Ngariam are steadily rising, with both incumbents and aspirants beginning to sharpen their campaign strategies for the 2026 elections.
The Shs. 5 million pledge controversy has become a talking point in trading centres, markets, and community meetings, with many wondering if the promise will be fulfilled or forgotten.
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