By Eman Yonah Oruk
Oyam, Uganda | The official handover of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership in Oyam District ended in controversy on Monday after newly elected District Chairperson, Bosco Onyik Ogwal, reportedly clashed with journalists during the ceremony held at Oyam Guest House Annex.
What was intended to be a formal transition from the outgoing District Executive Committee (DEC) to the incoming leadership took an unexpected turn when Onyik allegedly used abusive language and physically confronted journalists from Shine FM, accusing them of bias in their coverage of the NRM district elections held on May 24, 2025.
Eyewitnesses at the event say tensions escalated when reporters sought Onyik’s comments on his first day in office.
Instead of engaging the press, Onyik reportedly lashed out, claiming the local media had unfairly targeted him throughout the election process.
The incident has sparked concern among party members and observers, raising questions about Onyik’s temperament and his approach to leadership, particularly in handling public scrutiny and managing internal party cohesion.
During the handover, outgoing NRM Chairperson Jaspher Onena urged the new leadership to prioritize unity and reconciliation, especially in light of the tensions that emerged following the elections.
He noted that inclusive leadership and collaboration would be key to strengthening the party’s support base ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Also present at the event was Easy Bash Machar, the newly elected Chairperson of the NRM Workers’ League.
Machar acknowledged that post-election disagreements are not uncommon but emphasized the need for dialogue and mutual respect.
He pledged to protect workers’ interests and work toward uniting party structures at all levels.
The altercation with journalists drew sharp criticism from Patrick Ogwal Ojok, an aspirant for the Oyam LC5 Chairperson position on the NRM ticket. Ojok described Onyik’s actions as regrettable and damaging to the party’s image.
He called on the NRM Disciplinary Committee to take appropriate action and provide guidance to the new chairperson on constructive media engagement.
Ojok also stressed the importance of equipping party leaders with communication skills, noting that insults and intimidation undermine the party’s values and alienate the public.
Jackyline Adong, the NRM Registrar in Oyam District, added her voice to the growing concerns, urging the new executive to organize a reconciliation and harmonization meeting to bridge divisions among party supporters and rebuild trust.
She reminded the leadership that internal unity is a foundation for electoral success.
The confrontational episode has raised doubts within the NRM fraternity about Onyik’s ability to steer the party in a district considered crucial to the party’s influence in Northern Uganda.
