A political storm is brewing in Orungo sub-county after shocking allegations emerged linking Uganda’s State Minister for Microfinance, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, to a brutal attack on voters and campaign agents ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.
Chaos broke out on the night of July 16th when a group of unidentified men descended on Akiramu Erobu, a campaign agent for parliamentary hopeful Teddy Anyuk Osire. Erobu, who sustained serious injuries, claims the assault occurred at around 10:00 PM near Apokor Trading Centre. In his harrowing testimony, Erobu named Solomon Amali—the rival candidate and a former bodyguard of Minister Kasolo—as the man leading the attackers.
Even more damning are allegations that the assailants arrived in a vehicle reportedly registered under the Minister’s fleet, and were seen distributing branded materials linked to Amali’s campaign. Eyewitnesses claim that machetes and other crude weapons were found inside the vehicle shortly after the attack.
“This was not just a fight—it was a clear attempt to silence our voices,” said a trembling Erobu from his hospital bed in Amuria General Hospital.
Residents of Orungo say this is not an isolated incident. A wave of fear has swept through villages, with several voters alleging intimidation, threats, and physical harassment for refusing to back Amali. Many believe Minister Kasolo is using his position—and government resources—to tilt the race in favour of his protégé.
“This is abuse of power, plain and simple,” said Teddy Anyuk Osire in a press briefing held outside her campaign office. “Government vehicles, taxpayer money, and the authority of office are being used not to serve the people, but to intimidate them.”
She urged the community to remain calm and strong. “Let us not be cowed by fear. Your vote is your voice. Turn up in numbers. Let them know Orungo will not be bullied.”
Amuria Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Paul Eseru, has vowed to get to the bottom of the matter. “We have launched a full investigation. No one, regardless of their status, is above the law,” he said.
Security forces have since stepped up patrols across the sub-county. Police confirmed they are pursuing leads and preparing charges ranging from aggravated assault to obstruction of the electoral process. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the NRM’s Electoral Commission to ensure a free and fair primary amid growing public outcry.
Civil society actors, opposition voices, and local clergy have condemned the violence and called for the immediate suspension of Minister Kasolo from any involvement in the primaries until investigations are complete.
“Violence should never be part of our politics,” said Rev. Daniel Omoding, a respected local religious leader. “It is shameful for a minister to be mentioned in such barbaric acts.”
As the country watches closely, many are asking: Will justice prevail in Orungo? Will the NRM leadership take action against one of their own? And will the people of Orungo be allowed to choose their leader freely?
For now, the people of Orungo wait—with wounds, with fear, but also with resolve.
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Minister Kasolo in Hot Soup Over Alleged Orungo Voter Attacks
— Accused of Orchestrating Violence to Intimidate Opponents in NRM Primaries
A political storm is brewing in Orungo sub-county after shocking allegations emerged linking Uganda’s State Minister for Microfinance, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, to a brutal attack on voters and campaign agents ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.
Chaos broke out on the night of July 16th when a group of unidentified men descended on Akiramu Erobu, a campaign agent for parliamentary hopeful Teddy Anyuk Osire. Erobu, who sustained serious injuries, claims the assault occurred at around 10:00 PM near Apokor Trading Centre. In his harrowing testimony, Erobu named Solomon Amali—the rival candidate and a former bodyguard of Minister Kasolo—as the man leading the attackers.
Even more damning are allegations that the assailants arrived in a vehicle reportedly registered under the Minister’s fleet, and were seen distributing branded materials linked to Amali’s campaign. Eyewitnesses claim that machetes and other crude weapons were found inside the vehicle shortly after the attack.
“This was not just a fight—it was a clear attempt to silence our voices,” said a trembling Erobu from his hospital bed in Amuria General Hospital.
Residents of Orungo say this is not an isolated incident. A wave of fear has swept through villages, with several voters alleging intimidation, threats, and physical harassment for refusing to back Amali. Many believe Minister Kasolo is using his position—and government resources—to tilt the race in favour of his protégé.
“This is abuse of power, plain and simple,” said Teddy Anyuk Osire in a press briefing held outside her campaign office. “Government vehicles, taxpayer money, and the authority of office are being used not to serve the people, but to intimidate them.”
She urged the community to remain calm and strong. “Let us not be cowed by fear. Your vote is your voice. Turn up in numbers. Let them know Orungo will not be bullied.”
Amuria Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Paul Eseru, has vowed to get to the bottom of the matter. “We have launched a full investigation. No one, regardless of their status, is above the law,” he said.
Security forces have since stepped up patrols across the sub-county. Police confirmed they are pursuing leads and preparing charges ranging from aggravated assault to obstruction of the electoral process. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the NRM’s Electoral Commission to ensure a free and fair primary amid growing public outcry.
Civil society actors, opposition voices, and local clergy have condemned the violence and called for the immediate suspension of Minister Kasolo from any involvement in the primaries until investigations are complete.
“Violence should never be part of our politics,” said Rev. Daniel Omoding, a respected local religious leader. “It is shameful for a minister to be mentioned in such barbaric acts.”
As the country watches closely, many are asking: Will justice prevail in Orungo? Will the NRM leadership take action against one of their own? And will the people of Orungo be allowed to choose their leader freely?
For now, the people of Orungo wait—with wounds, with fear, but also with resolve.