Soroti, Uganda | Independent parliamentary candidate Otuko Augustine has accused political rivals of orchestrating acts of intimidation and sabotage aimed at frustrating independent candidates in Ngariam County, Katakwi District, ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign tour of the area.
Speaking to the press in Soroti City on Friday, Otuko claimed that a numberless drone vehicle carrying armed men in civilian clothes was seen in Katakwi Town late Thursday night, allegedly defacing and removing posters belonging to independent candidates.
He said the operation appeared to be well-coordinated and intended to suppress the visibility of certain candidates before the President’s arrival.
According to Otuko, the attackers mainly targeted his campaign materials and those of Dan Mulalu, another independent aspirant.
He said residents alerted him to the incident around midnight, prompting him to inform the District Police Commander and the District Security Officer, though the suspects managed to escape before security could intervene.
He described the attack as a deliberate act of political intimidation, saying it portrays fear among certain camps that feel threatened by the growing support for independent candidates.
Otuko said the involvement of individuals linked to senior government officials, if proven true, would amount to abuse of power and an erosion of democratic values.
Otuko called for an immediate investigation into the incident and urged both the Electoral Commission and security agencies to guarantee equal protection for all candidates regardless of party affiliation.
He also encouraged his supporters to remain calm and committed to peaceful campaigns despite the provocation.
“…We are not at war; we are competing for leadership through votes. Whoever believes in the people should face them fairly, not through intimidation or destruction of others’ posters,..” Otuko said.
He added that he will be lodging a formal complaint with police and is ready to pursue the matter legally to ensure accountability.