Kumi District’s political scene remains tense after NRM Secretary Opio Solomon appeared before the party’s Electoral Disputes Tribunal in Kampala to challenge the declaration of Minister of Energy, Hon. Syndorious Okaasai Opolot, as the NRM flag bearer for Kumi County.
Opio, who filed his petition last week, accuses Minister Okaasai and sections of the district party leadership of orchestrating massive electoral fraud during the July 17th NRM primaries.
Speaking shortly after his session before the tribunal, Opio expressed gratitude to his supporters and reaffirmed his commitment to seeking justice.
“Evidence of Fraud is Overwhelming”
In his statement, Opio thanked the people of Kumi County “for boldly standing up and saying no to election malpractice.”
He further lauded the NRM Tribunal Legal Team for granting him an audience, noting that his team submitted original and photocopied Declaration of Results (DR) forms as evidence of what he described as “gross alteration of election results.”
“Our evidence clearly shows vote tampering in multiple polling stations across Tisai Sub County, Ongino Sub County, Ongino Town Council, Ogooma Sub County, and Kodike and Obosoi wards in Nyero Town Council,” Opio revealed.
“These results were shamelessly manipulated in favor of Hon. Okaasai.”
Opio emphasized that the scale of irregularities was far larger than what Okaasai’s team admitted.
While the minister’s lawyers argued that only 6,000 votes were in dispute, Opio countered with records showing 13,631 allegedly rigged votes, which he says fundamentally changed the outcome of the primary.
“Betrayal by Elders is Shameful”
Opio criticized older politicians for “failing to set a good example” for the younger generation.
“It is disappointing that such malpractice was not perpetrated by youth but by elder leaders like Hon. Okaasai, who should be guiding us with integrity,” he said. “This betrayal by our elders is saddening and shameful.”
Opio also called on senior politicians to adopt mentorship roles rather than engaging in dishonest practices that “tarnish their legacy.”
Drawing parallels to national politics, he argued that Uganda’s political renewal required “fresh energy” in leadership.
“Just as the nation rallied behind Rt. Hon. Anita Among for a new chapter of energy and vision, Kumi too deserves leaders who will rejuvenate our district politics rather than recycle old practices,” he remarked.
According to Opio, Minister Okaasai’s legal team spent much of their time focusing on procedural technicalities, such as affidavit filing timelines and the naming of polling agents, rather than addressing the core allegations of vote inflation and forgery of DR forms.
“I informed the tribunal that their response to our petition was served outside the legally required timeframe. Thankfully, the tribunal stressed that evidence, not technicalities, would guide their decision,” Opio said.
He added that the tribunal took keen interest in the documentary evidence presented, signaling hope for a fair verdict.
Opio appealed directly to President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the NRM party chairperson, to personally monitor disputes arising from the primaries, especially involving cabinet ministers.
“Some ministers now believe rigging is their birthright and that they are immune to accountability. I urge the President to take a firm stance on this issue to restore confidence in our internal democracy,” Opio stated.
Opio criticized members of the Kumi District NRM leadership whom he accuses of being complicit in the alleged malpractice, calling for introspection and repentance.
“To those who facilitated this fraud, remember that what you do to other people’s children today may one day be done to yours. This is a time for reflection,” he cautioned.
To his supporters, Opio urged calm and patience as the tribunal deliberates on the case.
“I ask all my supporters across Kumi County to remain calm and prayerful. We are on the side of truth, and I am confident that justice will prevail,” he concluded.
The petition has intensified scrutiny on Kumi County’s NRM primaries, which have been marred by accusations of vote rigging and intimidation.
The tribunal’s decision is expected to have significant implications not only for the county but also for the broader perception of fairness in NRM’s internal elections.
As tensions simmer, all eyes are now on the NRM Tribunal, which is expected to deliver its ruling in the coming weeks, a verdict that could either reaffirm Minister Okaasai’s candidacy or trigger a fresh primary election in Kumi County.
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