Campaign fever in Serere District reached new heights on Tuesday as State Minister for Fisheries and Serere Woman MP Hellen Adoa welcomed over 50 defectors from her main rival Esther Lucy Acom’s camp during a rally in Kamusala Parish, Kateta Sub County.
The dramatic defection was announced in front of hundreds of cheering residents who gathered to listen to Minister Adoa outline her campaign platform and achievements ahead of the hotly anticipated NRM party primary scheduled for July 17.
The group of defectors, who declared their support for Minister Adoa, said they had been “lied to” and misled into backing Acom, whom they now accuse of having no development agenda for Serere.
Leading the exodus were three vocal grassroots mobilisers: Oluka Silver from Pokor A village, Ocen Denis from Kamusala A, and Olota Simon from Kamusala B.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Oluka Silver said, “We were deceived to support Esther Acom, but we have seen she has no vision for Serere. All she does is fight against the development projects brought by Minister Adoa. We have decided to return home to where there is real progress and service.”
Their message was warmly received by Minister Adoa, who used the occasion to welcome them back and urge continued unity in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
The day’s event was also marked by a rousing speech from Kateta Sub County LCIII chairperson Amos Ochola, who praised the people of Kamusala for what he called “a wise and blessed decision” to rally behind Minister Adoa.
“The people of Kamusala have become a blessing to Minister Adoa and to Serere,” Ochola declared.
“We have seen the difference in service delivery since she became our MP. She has redeemed Serere from the hands of the Opposition, and we are not turning back.”
Ochola lauded Minister Adoa’s track record, citing improved infrastructure, support to community savings groups, and lobbying for social services.
He urged residents to reject divisive politics and remain steadfast in supporting the NRM candidate who has delivered tangible results.
In her address, Minister Adoa thanked the defectors and the entire Kamusala community for what she described as “overwhelming solidarity and love.”
She said the move reaffirmed her strong bond with the voters and promised to continue serving them with dedication.
“I am so grateful for the love you have shown me,” Minister Adoa said. “My heart is with you. I want to remind you that I love you, my people, and I am here because of you.”
She also urged calm and unity within the NRM ranks, saying that despite the intense competition in the upcoming primary, the party must emerge stronger and more united to continue delivering services to the people of Serere.
“We may have disagreements in the primaries, but we are one party, one family,” she said.
“Let us not be divided by those who have no agenda other than fighting development. Let us focus on Serere’s future.”
Minister Adoa also used the rally to highlight her achievements over the past five years, including supporting rural savings groups, championing access to clean water, lobbying for road rehabilitation, and advocating for the fisheries sector that employs thousands in Serere District.
As the NRM primary date of July 17 approaches, the contest for the Serere District Woman MP flag is intensifying.
Minister Adoa is set to face off with Esther Lucy Acom and Florence Iyogil, both of whom have mounted vigorous campaigns across the district.
Observers say the defection of over 50 mobilisers from Acom’s camp to Adoa’s side is a significant boost for the incumbent’s campaign, especially in Kateta Sub County, which has traditionally been a hotly contested area.
Political analysts argue that such grassroots shifts can have a ripple effect, influencing undecided voters and reshaping local alliances in the final stretch before voting.
Meanwhile, the NRM electoral commission has urged all candidates and their supporters to maintain peace and respect party guidelines to ensure a fair and credible primary.
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