Katakwi, Uganda | Independent candidate Daniel Mulalu and NRM flagbearer Ogwang Peter, who also serves as State Minister for Education and Sports, publicly reconciled at Katakwi Boma Grounds on Saturday, sharing an embrace that signals a commitment to peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2026 elections.
The gesture comes after 15 years of political rivalry, during which tensions have occasionally threatened to escalate into violence.
Mulalu described the embrace as a deliberate effort to prevent conflict and promote unity among candidates and voters.
He said that campaigns should focus on ideas, not destruction, and that the hug is a symbol of unity and a call for peaceful elections in Ngariam.
Ogwang Peter, while maintaining his NRM allegiance, welcomed the move as a demonstration of political maturity.
He urged all candidates to prioritize dialogue and respect for one another during campaigns.
Independent candidate Otuko Augustine also praised the gesture, noting that recent incidents of poster vandalism had heightened fears of unrest.
He said that the embrace shows that even rivals can put peace and fairness above personal rivalry.
Both Mulalu and Ogwang emphasized that they remain in the race but that the focus must be on engaging voters with ideas rather than inflaming tensions.
Security agencies and national leadership have reportedly been involved to ensure the electoral process remains peaceful.
Observers say the embrace marks a rare moment of political maturity in Ngariam County and could set a positive precedent for the upcoming elections.