By Ibrahim Byakika
The NRM Deputy Secretary General Hon Richard Todwong has warned the people of Upper Madi Constituency in Arua District against acts of violence during and after the forthcoming by-elections.
The D/SG sounded the warning while addressing over 400 NRM district delegates gathered at Okollo Community Centre on Tuesday. He challenged NRM members to remain exemplary to others throughout the electoral process.
Hon Todwong’s warning followed intelligence reports that some rival aspirants were planning to mobilise local youths to disrupt the campaigns.
He reminded his audience that the NRM government was well facilitated to protect its people against any forms of violence.
“If the NRM government can control and protect the whole Uganda, what about the 113 villages of Upper Madi?” he observed.
He added that Uganda was now peaceful from boarder to border unlike in the past where majority of residents in this West Nile sub Region were exiled due to continued insurgency.
Speaking about government’s commitment of delivering Uganda into a middle income status by 2020, Hon Todwong said it’s an obligation by government to build a Primary School in every parish, a secondary school in every Sub County and a Technical Institute in every Constituency.
Under health, the D/SG caused prolonged excitement as he mentioned that the NRM government loves its children even before they are born.
“Government provides quality antenatal services and the six killer diseases have become history”, he preached.
Meanwhile, Hon Todwong was quick to react to allegations from opposition camps that the NRM flag bearer Hon Isaac Etuka Joakino wasn’t eligible to seek re-election due to lack of academic papers.
He said his papers had been verified by relevant authorities and found to be satisfactory. Todwong urged members to put aside any indifference and jointly rally their support behind the flag bearer.
The National Party Chairman and President, H.E Y.K Museveni will later in June travel to Upper Madi to canvas support for his candidate.
At the event, the official NRM flag was handed over to Hon Etuka to symbolise his candidature.
The D/SG was in company of the Executive Assistant to the Rt. Hon. Secretary General, Counsel Charles Egwau and Lawrence Mayambala from the party Electoral Commission among other Secretariat staff.
Nominations by the Independent National Electoral Commission kick off this Wednesday and the D/SG will remain in the area until the candidate is nominated.
The previous (2016) election results were as follows:
Etuka Isaac(NRM) 7236
Arumadri John (FDC) 3946
Drito Martin Andi (IND) 2087
Madira Jimmy (IND) 1046
Oryem Antes (IND) 300
Onzima Bruno (IND) 299