Dokolo, Uganda | The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party in Dokolo District has distanced itself from a forged party membership card circulating on social media bearing the name and photo of Joseph Jones Ogwal Omara, a leading aspirant in the upcoming NRM party primaries for Dokolo North County.
Olwal Francis, the UPC branch administrator in Dokolo, dismissed the document as political propaganda aimed at tarnishing Ogwal Omara’s reputation.
He explained that after thoroughly checking the party’s official register, he found no record of Ogwal Omara’s name and confirmed that Ogwal has never been a UPC member nor visited the party’s office in Dokolo.
Olwal further warned those spreading the fake card to stop immediately, stating that continued circulation could result in legal consequences.
The controversy surrounds a forged UPC membership card dated March 24, 2025, which falsely claims that Ogwal Omara renewed his membership with the opposition party.
Such a claim, if believed, would cast doubt on his credibility as a candidate under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
Ogwal Omara has dismissed the card as a deliberate fabrication aimed at damaging his political image.
According to his legal team, the forged card is allegedly the work of Ecar Calvin, the driver of incumbent MP Moses Ogwal Goli.
They claim Calvin is responsible for creating and distributing the document as part of a calculated smear campaign. Legal proceedings have since been initiated under Uganda’s Computer Misuse Act, with charges including digital forgery, cyber defamation, and malicious communication.
Ogwal Omara has reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the NRM, asserting that he obtained his nomination forms through the official party secretariat and remains committed to serving the people of Dokolo North.
He also reported that his campaign team and supporters have been facing acts of intimidation tactics he believes are designed to derail his political momentum.
In response to the growing tension, the NRM District Executive Committee (DEC) in Dokolo, led by Geoffrey Opio Ekong, held an emergency meeting on Monday.
The committee condemned all forms of political intimidation and urged for calm, unity, and a peaceful primary process.
Political observers note that Ogwal Omara’s decision to pursue legal action signals his rising influence in Dokolo North and his resolve to uphold integrity within the NRM’s internal electoral process.