In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the National Resistance Movement (NRM) structures, police in Katakwi District have arrested Caroline Akol, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Napak District, for allegedly interfering in the ongoing NRM grassroots elections.
Akol is accused of spearheading a coordinated operation alongside a group of RDCs from various districts to manipulate the electoral process in favor of State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang.
The arrested RDCs are believed to have abandoned their official stations, descending upon Katakwi District to influence the outcomes in Ngariam County where Minister Ogwang’s influence is reportedly waning.
According to intelligence reports, Minister Ogwang, after realizing that his agents had been overwhelmingly defeated in earlier Village and Parish elections by opponents Augustine Otuko and Dan Mulalu, allegedly orchestrated a clandestine deployment of loyal RDCs.
These officials were dispatched to key polling stations across Ngariam County, tasked with intimidating voters and distributing cash handouts to sway votes toward Ogwang’s preferred candidates.
Eyewitnesses and local sources confirmed to this publication that on Friday morning, unidentified vehicles without number plates were seen ferrying these RDC operatives.
Voters were reportedly handed 50,000 Uganda shillings each, with clear instructions to vote for the Minister’s agents, the intimidation tactics and blatant voter bribery raised tensions across polling centers, prompting swift intervention by security agencies.
In a decisive operation, police arrested Caroline Akol at Olilim Trading Center, where she was allegedly caught red-handed bribing voters from her own shop. Despite initially denying involvement and falsely claiming to be in Moroto, security operatives intensified surveillance and uncovered her illicit activities in Katakwi.
The matter has since been escalated to the Office of the President, the Permanent Secretary (PS) promptly issued summons to all implicated officials, demanding their appearance in Kampala for immediate disciplinary action.
Among those summoned are Charles Icogor (RDC Kotido), Ojirot Emma (Deputy RDC Kapelebyong), Okwamari Francis (Deputy RDC Alebtong), Ojoomi Augustine (Assistant RDC Kapelebyong), and Ogolot Ben (Assistant RDC Kapelebyong).
An official from the PS office, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the listed individuals will face dismissal from office with immediate effect. They are also expected to face criminal charges including abuse of office, interference with the NRM internal election process, and voter bribery.
“This is exactly the kind of behavior President Museveni has continuously warned against,” the official emphasized in a telephone interview.
“The NRM party is founded on democratic principles and peaceful electoral processes. We will not tolerate rogue elements sabotaging party programs and causing confusion for selfish interests. These officers will be made examples.”
Katakwi Central Police Station has confirmed Akol’s arrest and opened a criminal file as investigations continue.
The police have assured the public that the law will take its full course and that all those involved will be held accountable.
The brazen attempt to hijack the NRM grassroots elections in Katakwi has sparked fresh debate over the integrity of the party’s internal processes and the unchecked power wielded by political actors in Uganda.
As the saga unfolds, political observers are calling for stricter enforcement of electoral laws and reforms to shield the NRM’s internal democracy from manipulation by state operatives.
The scandal also raises broader questions about the independence of RDCs, who are supposed to represent the President’s office in ensuring law and order but are now at the center of election-related crimes.
For many in Katakwi, this is a test case for the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and safeguarding the democratic process.