Katakwi, Uganda | The Independent candidate for Ngariam County Parliamentary seat, Daniel Mulalu, has clarified that his public hug and handshake with Minister of State for Education and Sports, Peter Ogwang, during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign rally in Katakwi was not a political surrender but a gesture of peace and reconciliation.
The incident, which took place on Saturday in Katakwi District, sparked widespread reactions and speculation, with many assuming that Mulalu had stepped down in favor of Minister Ogwang.
However, Mulalu dismissed the claims, emphasizing that his actions were meant to promote unity and prevent escalating tension in the constituency.
He said the reconciliation followed communication from top national leaders and security officials concerned about the growing hostility among supporters in Ngariam.
Reports of poster defacement, propaganda, and confrontation had raised fears of potential violence during the campaign season.
Mulalu explained that when national leadership reached out to him, he accepted reconciliation in the spirit of peace, not submission.
He noted that peace is more valuable than political pride and that refusing to cooperate could have led to unnecessary conflict.
He clarified that he remains in the race as an independent candidate and has not stepped down for anyone.
According to him, the handshake was his first physical interaction with Ogwang in 15 years, despite a shared political background dating back to their youth.
Mulalu recalled supporting Ogwang during his early political journey as Youth Member of Parliament but said their political paths diverged due to misunderstandings and rivalry.
He added that he saw the rally as an opportunity to restore calm and send a positive message of reconciliation to the people of Ngariam.
Before the handshake, Mulalu said tension had already risen after receiving reports that his campaign posters and those of fellow candidate Augustine Otuko were being destroyed by rival groups.
He admitted that some of his supporters were considering retaliation before security intervened.
He revealed that the Regional Police Commander (RPC) and the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of political affairs played a key role in urging the candidates to reconcile to maintain peace.
Mulalu further noted that the call for peace came directly from top national figures, including the President and the Vice President, who wanted Ngariam to remain calm and free of violence during the campaign season.
He said that as a loyal son of the ruling party, he could not act with defiance in front of the President. Instead, he chose to demonstrate political maturity by shaking hands and embracing peace.
Mulalu urged all political camps in Ngariam to conduct peaceful campaigns, respect each other’s supporters, and avoid acts of intimidation or vandalism.
He condemned violence, saying it has divided Katakwi for years and needs to end.
He observed that politics should be about ideas, not hatred, and encouraged candidates to campaign peacefully and let the people decide.
He reaffirmed that he is still in the race and will continue engaging voters respectfully.
Mulalu reiterated that the handshake with Ogwang was a symbol of peace and maturity, not political compromise, and reaffirmed his commitment to running as an independent candidate in the 2026 elections.
