Dokolo, Uganda | The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is facing legal action from one of its longtime cadres, George Ongom commonly known as Ongom Lango following his abrupt disqualification from participating in the Workers’ League primaries held in Dokolo District.
Ongom, who currently serves as a health worker under Dokolo District Local Government and previously held the position of Minister for Youth under the Lango Cultural Foundation, has described the incident as an act of electoral injustice and humiliation.
He expressed dismay after being blocked from vying for the position of Secretary for Publicity under the NRM Workers’ League, despite what he says was full compliance with party requirements.
According to Ongom, he paid the official nomination fee of Shs 50,000, submitted his credentials, and was duly accredited.
His name appeared in the NRM register, and he was allowed access to the venue where voting was set to take place.
However, just before voting began, he was ordered out of the line in the presence of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and other stakeholders.
The decision to block him, he claims, was made by Isaac Omara, the NRM District Registrar for Dokolo, who allegedly dismissed several union-affiliated contenders on grounds of ineligibility.
Ongom stated that during the process, Omara declared he was “ready for anything that may come after the election,” suggesting a willingness to face any consequences resulting from his actions.
Ongom described the experience as traumatising and degrading.
He said he has been a loyal member of the party since 2014, with a valid membership card and regular subscription to the Allied Health Professional Council.
His name was among those cleared to contest, and he had supporters present at the event.
He believes the move to block his participation was deliberate and unjustified.
He further criticised the lack of procedural guidance from district party officials, noting that no clear explanation was given and no attempt was made to resolve the matter on-site.
Ongom now plans to sue the party, demanding a refund of his nomination fee and accountability from those involved in the decision.
He called on the NRM Secretariat to reform its internal electoral management by deploying independent monitors and providing proper legal guidance to candidates at all levels.
According to Ongom, the absence of oversight has created loopholes that are being exploited to the detriment of loyal party members.
Attempts to obtain a comment from NRM District Registrar Isaac Omara were unsuccessful, as he could not be reached by press time.
Ongom’s planned legal action comes at a time when the NRM faces increasing scrutiny over its internal democracy ahead of the 2026 general elections.
His case is likely to add pressure on the party to strengthen transparency and fairness in its grassroots structures.
