Oyam, Uganda | Tensions are growing within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party in Oyam District as Engola Okello Samuel, also known as Engola Junior, one of the aspirants for Oyam North County MP seat, has publicly rejected an invitation to attend the second Expanded District Executive Committee (DEC) engagement meeting, citing concerns of bias and procedural irregularities.
The meeting, organized by the Oyam NRM District leadership, was scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Rainbow Hotel in Oyam Town Council.
According to the invitation, the session was to include a security briefing and communication from the Office of the President.
However, it was restricted to aspirants only, with no room for representatives or campaign managers.
Engola Junior, in his written response, declined to attend, arguing that the meeting’s timing interferes with the official nomination period for MPs and district chairpersons, which runs from June 17 to 30, as per the NRM Electoral Commission guidelines.
He pointed out that this period demands full concentration and adherence to electoral protocols, warning that off-schedule meetings risk disrupting aspirants’ preparations and compliance.
He also raised concern over what he described as a diversionary agenda behind the meeting, noting that it could be used to intimidate certain aspirants or exert pressure outside the structures of the party’s constitution.
He further criticized the organizers’ insistence that only aspirants be present, saying the exclusion of campaign managers shows bad faith and suggests a lack of transparency.
Engola Junior emphasized that the Expanded DEC has no constitutional mandate to summon or vet aspirants and warned against parallel processes that could undermine the NRM Electoral Commission’s authority.
He called on all party organs to act within the party’s rules and maintain fairness in the ongoing internal election cycle.
His position was supported by Philips Ogile Jakayo, LC III Chairperson for Abok Sub-county and a known NRM mobiliser.
Jakayo stated that the DEC must follow the official roadmap and refrain from taking actions that show bias or favoritism.
He accused some extended DEC members of advancing personal interests and warned that if these actions persist, the NRM risks losing its stronghold in Oyam to opposition forces by 2026.
Amid the growing backlash, the NRM Publicity Secretary for Oyam, Billie Otto, issued a communication on June 17, confirming the postponement of the meeting with aspirants.
However, the internal DEC session for core party leaders is still expected to take place as planned.
This development highlights the growing friction in the party’s internal coordination, particularly as the race for 2026 intensifies.
The NRM leadership in Oyam now faces the challenge of restoring unity and trust among its ranks while staying aligned with national party procedures.
