Two arrested for Voter Bribery in Oyam Parliamentary By-election

Officers from Oyam Central Police Station are holding two people for allegedly engaging in voter bribery.

The arrests occurred today, July 6, 2023, at 6:10 am, when police officers, assigned to maintain security in Otwal Sub-County, intercepted and detained Ocen Ronald and Ogwal Robert.

Ocen, a 31-year-old resident of Minakulu Town Council, and Ogwal a 46-year-old resident of Kut Odongo Village, Amuku Gungu Parish, Otwal Sub-County, were taken into custody following their arrest.

Ogwal Robert is the Chairperson of the UPC Party in Otwal Sub-County.

Officers seized a sum of 150,000= cash from the suspects.

According to SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the PRO North Kyoga region, a list containing the names of individuals believed to have already received money was also recovered from the duo.

Okema highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

He noted that the case is being investigated at the Oyam Central Police Station and after compiling substantial evidence, it will be submitted to the Residence State Attorney (RSA) for further legal proceedings

Earlier today, the Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi directed security personnel to impound all numberless vehicles seen around polling stations in Oyam North County.

Polling is currently replacing the late Charles Okello Engola Macodwogo who was killed by his bodyguard, Pte Wilson Sabiiti.

The race has attracted four candidates; Dr Eunice Apio Otuko from UPC, NUP candidate Daniel Okello, the NRM party candidate and Engola’s son Samuel Engola Okello, and Freddy from Forum for Democratic Change-FDC.