Exclusive: Details Why Lira City Contender For NRM General secretary Winstone Ogwang Boycotted the Elections

Exclusive: Details Why Lira City Contender For NRM General secretary Winstone Ogwang Boycotted the Elections 

Lira City, Uganda — In a rare and candid interview, local politician Winstone has broken his silence regarding his decision to boycott the recently concluded NRM election, where he was vying for the position of Party General Secretary.

The election, which pitted Ogwang against Dr. Morris Chris Ongom, was marred by controversy, with Ogwang refusing to participate and attracting debate over whether he was sidelined or settled by his rival.

Addressing the media, Winstone Ogwang, a prominent figure in Lira’s political scene, explained that his boycott was driven by serious concerns over electoral transparency and fairness. "I chose to abstain from participating in the election because I believed it was not conducted in a manner that reflects the true will of the people," he said.

He further revealed that his decision was also a protest against what he describes as irregularities and manipulations that compromised the integrity of the electoral process. "Democracy is built on trust and fairness," Winson emphasized. "When these principles are undermined, it is better to stand aside rather than endorse flawed procedures."

Winson also accused the electoral team and his opponents of engaging in unfair tactics, including buying support and intimidating supporters to withdraw their backing. He cited a recent meeting at Gracious Palace, where his rival publicly claimed to have formed an alliance of sole candidates — a move he says was orchestrated to humiliate him during the electoral process.

Additionally, Winson alleged that the electoral team failed to provide a level playing field. "My opponent publicly claimed he was running alone, which undermines the principle of democracy, especially since I was nominated on equal footing," he said. Despite garnering few votes in his absence, he pointed out that the results favoring Dr. Morris Chris Ongom were skewed by these irregularities.

Ogwang, who received few votes, did not accept the outcome, citing the compromised electoral environment as a reason for his absence. "When principles are undermined, it’s better to stand aside rather than endorse flawed procedures," Winson reiterated.

Despite boycotting the election, Winson, a loyal NRM cadre, affirmed his commitment to community service and expressed hope that future elections will be more transparent and inclusive. "My boycott was not an act of defiance but a call for reform and accountability within our electoral systems," he concluded.

Political analysts suggest that Winson’s outspoken stance could influence upcoming electoral processes and ignite debates on electoral integrity within Lira City. As the community reflects on the recent polls, his position underscores the ongoing challenges and the urgent need for reforms to strengthen democratic practices in the region.

In response, Walter Abura, the Assistant Registrar of NRM for Lira City, dismissed Winson’s allegations, affirming that the elections were free and fair. "Candidates who are aggrieved have a 14-day grace period to challenge the results, as stipulated by electoral laws and party policies," Abura stated.