Oyam, Uganda – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership in Oyam District is embroiled in a growing controversy as accusations of extortion and mismanagement emerge within its ranks.
Mr. Phillips Ogile Jakayo, the district’s Publicity Secretary, has levelled serious allegations against the acting district chairman, Mr. Jasper Onena, accusing him of soliciting funds from prospective aspirants ahead of the upcoming party primaries.
Mr. Ogile, speaking after an extended District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting on Tuesday, November 12, alleged that Onena’s actions were undermining the integrity of the party’s local leadership.
He expressed frustration at the lack of transparency, claiming that he had not been informed of the meeting’s purpose, which he suspects was organized to pressure aspirants into financial contributions.
“Today’s meeting seems to be a setup for aspirants to give money,” he said, calling for party leaders to investigate the alleged misconduct.
Further compounding the issue, Ogile also accused Onena of misappropriating quarterly funds provided by the NRM Secretariat, which are intended to support official party meetings.
He raised questions about the allocation of these funds, alleging that Onena was using them improperly, while the meetings themselves lacked transparency and served questionable purposes.
In response, Mr. Onena denied the accusations, countering that Ogile himself was more focused on personal financial gain than party welfare.
Onena described Ogile as a “double dealer,” suggesting that his involvement with various organizations is driven by personal ambition, including a potential bid for a local council leadership role.
“People like Ogile are the ones constantly begging aspirants,” Onena remarked, asserting that the allegations were part of Ogile’s personal agenda.
The clash between the two officials has sparked significant concern among NRM members in Oyam District, many of whom are now questioning the district leadership’s integrity.
The ongoing dispute has led some party supporters to voice similar frustrations privately, fearing that unresolved internal issues could harm the NRM’s credibility in the region.
With primary elections approaching, pressure is mounting on the NRM’s national leadership to intervene.
Though no official statement has been released, sources within the party suggest that an internal review may be conducted to address the allegations and restore trust within the local leadership.
Observers argue that swift action is crucial, as the party’s response will likely impact its image and support base in Oyam District during this critical election period.
