Police in Oyam District have arrested Ojok Julu, Apac opposition Uganda People’s Congress Party (UPC) chairman, and 4 other UPC supporters who were caught distributing money to voters in Otwal Sub County.
The other suspects are identified as Ayo Brian, Okello Jimmy, Openo Justine, and Opeto Aron.
Ojok was found in possession of about Ugx150,000 and a book containing a list of people believed to have received the money. Another member was also caught with a knife and an unspecified amount of cash, according to police.
According to SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga regional police spokesperson, said other two suspects from Otwal Sub County were earlier arrested today, July 6th, as they were moving around distributing money to voters with the intention to influence their decision to cast votes for their candidate.
“On the 6th of July 2023, at approximately 6:10 a.m., police officers deployed to provide security in Otwal Sub-County intercepted two UPC supporters. Upon their arrest, a sum of Shs 150,000 cash was recovered from the suspects, along with a list of individuals believed to have already received money,” Okema said.
Okema identified the suspects as Ocen Ronald, a 31-year-old resident of Minakulu Town Council, and Ogwal Robert, a 46-year-old resident of Kut Odongo Village, Amuku Gungu Parish, Otwal Sub-County.
Okema said that the case is under investigation at the Oyam Central Police Station, pending the compilation of evidence for submission to the Residence State Attorney (RSA).
On Wednesday, July 5th, security intercepted intelligence that a section of UPC legislators under the command of Hon. Jimmy Akena Obote, the party president, were mobilising youths from across Lango subregion to disrupt the by-election in Oyam North.
The Oyam North by-election is underway with four candidates, including NRM Junior Samuel Engola, UPC candidate Dr. Eunice Apio, Daniel Okello of FDC, and Newton Ojok of National Unity Platform (NUP), battling to replace the fallen former Minister Col. (RTD) Charles Okello Engola Macodwogo, who was assassinated in May by the bodyguard.
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