Foreign Affairs Minister and Orungo County Member of Parliament, Gen. Jeje Odongo Abubakar, has voiced strong concern over what he describes as deliberate and escalating acts of vandalism targeting his campaign materials.
The incidents, which include the burning and defacing of posters, have sparked tensions in the county and raised fears of possible violence ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Gen. Odongo, who did not participate in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries, says the repeated destruction of his campaign posters appears to be orchestrated by individuals believed to be supporters of his political rival and NRM flag bearer, Ms. Teddy Anyuk Osire.
Speaking to journalists today in Soroti City, Odongo expressed worry that the smear campaign allegedly being run by his opponent’s team is aimed at creating turmoil and provoking clashes between supporters in Orungo County.
Three Major Incidents in One Week
Gen. Odongo detailed a series of incidents that occurred between last week and early this week, all involving the systematic defacing of his campaign posters in different parts of the county.
The first incident occurred late last week in Amaret village, Ogolai Sub-county. Another took place on Sunday evening in Kona–Kilak, Akiriau Sub-county, and the most recent incident, just days ago, was reported in Arubela, also within Akiriau Sub-county.
“In all the three incidents I have indicated, individuals, mainly young people, were involved in defacing electioneering material, particularly election posters,” Odongo said.
The most alarming incident happened in Kona–Kilak at around 6:30–7:00 p.m., when residents alerted Odongo about a looming confrontation between his supporters and those believed to be aligned to Ms. Anyuk.
The tension escalated when some members of the community allegedly began mobilizing weapons to defend themselves.
“There was a possibility of a very serious confrontation… some people were saying, ‘we must defend ourselves,’ and they were running to their homes to bring pangas,” Odongo narrated. “He [the caller] was concerned we could lose a life.”
Upon receiving the alert, the minister instructed his security detail to intervene immediately to prevent bloodshed. Police arrived in time, arrested three or four individuals, and restored calm.
The following morning, Odongo visited the police station to meet with the District Police Commander (DPC) and review the situation firsthand.
The torn posters and a damaged T-shirt were presented as evidence. While the DPC recommended that the suspects face the law, Gen. Odongo pleaded for a more compassionate approach.
“The children who had been arrested were under the influence of alcohol, and they had been used to do this,” Odongo argued. “As an elder in the area, I felt the most appropriate action was to talk to these children, explain to them that what they were doing was wrong, and let them go back home.”
Police released the youths after cautioning them, a decision Odongo welcomed as a step toward de-escalation.
However, the cycle did not end.
Just three days after the Kona–Kilak incident, another case of vandalism was reported, again involving his posters in Akiriau Sub-county. Police from Akiriau Police Post arrested four individuals suspected of participating in the act.
Odongo met the DPC once again while the suspects were being transported.
“I am aware they did so not out of their own volition but were influenced by certain individuals,” Odongo said, again appealing for leniency.
Gen. Odongo used the opportunity to send a strong message to security agencies, political actors, and community influencers.
He urged police to increase vigilance to prevent further defacing of campaign materials, adding that such acts could easily provoke violence among rival supporters if not contained early.
While acknowledging that the offenders technically broke the law, he insisted that the real problem lies with those manipulating the youth.
“It is very sad and painful that young children are being used to break the law,” he said. “I appeal to those mobilizing these children… please do not misuse them. Do not cause these children to break the law.”
Odongo emphasized that young people should not be turned into instruments of political confrontation but rather guided so they can become productive members of society.
By the time of compiling this report, the East Kyoga Police Public Relations Office had not released an official press release on the matter. However, the accusations against Ms. Anyuk’s supporters come at a time when she has been publicly calling for peace, urging politicians across Uganda to refrain from instigating violence as campaigns intensify ahead of the 2026 elections.
During a recent media interview in Akeriau Catholic Parish, Ms. Teddy Anyuk Osire, encouraged leaders and supporters to uphold discipline and choose peace over confrontation.
“A leader never takes the wrong direction,” she said. “A leader never buys someone to go and cause violence. A leader shows you what to do in order to make ends meet. Please stay away from violence and be peaceful.”
Anyuk argued that true leadership is defined not by manipulation or conflict, but by guiding communities toward prosperity.
Her remarks follow reports of rising tensions in several parts of the county, with clashes erupting in some constituencies where political competition is especially intense.
Though she did not respond directly to Odongo’s claims, her message appeared to counter any suggestion that she condones acts of provocation.
Gen. Odongo reiterated that his primary concern is preventing violence and safeguarding lives, not retaliating or escalating the situation.
He urged all leaders in Orungo County to champion peace and discourage their followers from acts that undermine community harmony.
“This is my appeal and what I want to say about what has happened in the past week,” he concluded.
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