The National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections in Serere District have begun with political tremors as Esther Lucy Acom’s campaign team woke up to a massive shock.
Hundreds of her agents and supporters have abandoned her camp and declared their allegiance to State Minister for Fisheries and incumbent Woman MP, Hon. Hellen Adoa.
The wave of defections, which unfolded overnight has sent a powerful message across Serere’s political landscape.
Supporters who had long been seen as Acom’s grassroots mobilizers were seen donning yellow T-shirts emblazoned with Minister Adoa’s image this morning at several polling centres, including Kateta, Bugondo, and Atiira.
“We have seen enough,” Ocen told reporters at a polling station in Kamusala. “We were misled to think Esther Acom had a genuine plan for Serere, but all we saw was a campaign built on bitterness and opposition to development. Minister Adoa has served us well, and we have realized it’s time to stand with her.”
The defectors cited various reasons for their last-minute decision to switch camps, including dissatisfaction with Acom’s alleged negative politics, weak grassroots coordination, and what they described as “invisible networks” working against unity in the district.
“It was never about the people, it was about power and revenge,” said Veronica Apio, a mobilizer from Kyere Sub County who joined Minister Adoa’s camp with five polling agents. “The energy in Adoa’s camp is genuine. People feel seen, heard, and cared for.”
The dramatic turn of events has visibly strengthened Minister Adoa’s campaign on voting day, with her supporters in a celebratory mood as polling materials were distributed.
At trading centres across Severe district, voters chanted her name as they lined up peacefully to cast their ballots.
Kateta Sub County LCIII chairperson Amos Ochola, one of the vocal local leaders supporting Adoa, said the defections were proof of the people’s faith in results-driven leadership.
“People cannot be fooled anymore. The Acom camp was built on propaganda and division,” Ochola stated.
“Minister Adoa has delivered, whether it’s water projects, women empowerment groups, or road infrastructure. The voters have seen her work and have made a wise decision.”
Sources within Acom’s camp revealed panic and confusion this morning, as agents failed to turn up to pick her their appointments as polling station agents. In some instances, Acom coordinators reportedly had to hastily replace agents who had crossed over.
An official close to Acom’s campaign, who spoke on condition of anonymity, admitted that the situation was tense.
“We are shocked, honestly. Some of these people were with us all along. We suspect money and intimidation were used to sway them,” the source said.
However, Minister Adoa, while addressing the media before heading to Kyere to cast her vote, dismissed the allegations, insisting that her support is organic and rooted in service delivery.
“What we are witnessing is not bribery, it’s belief,” Minister Adoa said. “These are people who have watched me work hard for Serere. They have seen my support in boreholes, SACCOs supported, roads rehabilitated, and lives improved. This election is about work, not words.”
She also called for calm and unity, urging NRM members to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the voting process.
“At the end of the day, we are one family in the NRM. Let us not turn this into hate or chaos. Vote and allow the people to decide,” she said.
Security has been tightened across the district, with police and UPDF personnel deployed to ensure a smooth and peaceful process.
Serere District NRM registrar, Michael Olobo, urged candidates and their agents to cooperate with electoral officials and warned against any acts of voter bribery or intimidation.
Political analysts say today’s dramatic defections could influence not only the outcome of the primary but also reshape alliances ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“When you lose mobilizers on voting day, it’s a very serious political blow,” said Dr. Sarah Okwalinga, a political analyst based in Soroti.
“This shows that Adoa’s ground game is stronger than many anticipated.”
With three candidates in the race, Minister Hellen Adoa, Esther Lucy Acom, and Florence Iyogil, the Serere NRM Woman MP flag remains up for grabs. But today’s defection shock has given Minister Adoa a major psychological advantage heading into the decisive vote.
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