The political landscape in Ngariam County, Katakwi District, is undergoing a significant shift as the competition among three NRM aspirants, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, Augustine Otuko, and Dan Mulalu, intensifies.
What was once considered Ogwang’s stronghold is now turning into a battleground of changing loyalties and rising opposition.
In the ongoing NRM elections to establish grassroots structures, Minister Ogwang’s camp has suffered major setbacks, many of his long-serving agents and vocal supporters have been overwhelmingly voted out in favor of candidates allied to Augustine Otuko, signaling a possible change in the political dynamics of the county.
Monday, May 12, was marked by celebrations across various parishes of Ngariam after Otuko’s supporters clinched key victories, One significant upset was in Aleles Parish, Ocorimongin, where Joseph Okwakol, a staunch Ogwang loyalist, lost the position of Parish Chairman to Mr. Eyou David, an Otuko ally.
Mary Apio, a delegate from Aleles Parish, described the defeat as a direct response from voters tired of intimidation and electoral violence.
“Okwakol and his group have been the main perpetrators of chaos, intimidating voters to support Ogwang, their defeat shows that people are rejecting violence and are ready for a new kind of leadership,” Apio remarked.
In earlier village-level elections, Ogwang’s camp had already begun to lose ground, with many of his agents defeated by supporters of Dan Mulalu and Augustine Otuko, the trend has persisted into the parish elections, where Otuko’s team continues to claim most leadership positions.
Political analysts argue that Ogwang’s diminishing influence is a reflection of growing voter dissatisfaction.
One analyst, who preferred anonymity, pointed out that Ogwang’s history of using intimidation and violence during elections has eroded his credibility.
“Ogwang has been the orchestrator of electoral violence in Katakwi. In past elections, his agents were notorious for assaulting voters and attacking opponents’ supporters, this time, voters are strategically dismantling his network by voting out his agents from grassroots structures, they want free and fair elections without fear or intimidation,” the analyst explained.
The competition for the Ngariam County parliamentary seat remains fierce, with Otuko and Mulalu emerging as strong contenders against the incumbent Ogwang.
Otuko, who serves as Private Secretary to the President in charge of Political Affairs, has been vocal in condemning Ogwang’s tactics, accusing him of perpetuating a culture of violence.
Speaking after the recent victories, Otuko emphasized the need for a peaceful political environment.
“We are sanitizing Katakwi from the violence virus brought by Peter Ogwang, who believes he is above the law, Ngariam County does not belong to him; it belongs to the people. His losses in the NRM structures should send him a clear message that his time is up,” Otuko declared while congratulating his supporters.
Otuko’s message resonates with a growing segment of the electorate that seeks new leadership based on integrity and service rather than coercion and fear. The defeats suffered by Ogwang’s agents are seen as a public rebuke of his leadership style.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Minister Ogwang has intensified his constituency engagements, allegedly dishing out money to woo back voters. However, many believe that financial handouts may not be enough to reverse the current wave of discontent.
“The voters are tired of being bought with handouts only to be neglected later. They are now more aware and are choosing leaders who represent their interests genuinely,” another political observer noted.
As the race for Ngariam County heats up, it is clear that the upcoming elections will not be a walkover for any candidate, the defeat of Ogwang’s grassroots agents suggests a shifting tide, one that may reshape the political leadership of Ngariam in the near future.
With voters demanding issue-based campaigns and an end to electoral violence, the pressure is mounting on all aspirants to demonstrate a new brand of politics, one grounded in respect, service, and genuine representation.