By Henry Okello
TORORO
Emmanuel Onyango, a former contestant in the Member of Parliament race for Tororo County North on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, has officially withdrawn from the upcoming party primaries, declaring that the electoral process in Tororo County is neither free nor fair.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, 15th June, 2025, Onyango expressed deep concerns over the integrity of the recent NRM structural elections, which he described as a facade rather than a legitimate electoral process.
He alleged that behind-the-scenes deals enabled certain candidates to secure their positions unopposed, undermining the democratic ideals of the party.
“This is not an election; it’s a charade,” Onyango stated emphatically. “Some candidates have gone through unopposed simply because they bought off their opponents, while others manipulated the system by hiring tagged voters.
The process has raised serious questions about the qualifications of those managing these elections.
Onyango did not shy away from expressing his frustration with what he termed a “corruption-ridden” environment.
He lamented the presence of “goons” in local politics and vowed not to waste his resources on a corrupted system that prioritizes personal gains over genuine representation of the people.
“I refuse to work for hyenas—people who have lost their way and strayed from the core values of the NRM. The people of Tororo County deserve better,” he said, highlighting the visible woes in the region, such as poor road conditions and rampant unemployment.
In a call to action, Onyango urged the NRM party Electoral Commission Chairperson, Tanga Odoi, to intervene and restore integrity to the political landscape in Tororo County. “We need sound leaders who can rebuild the NRM’s reputation locally and address the pressing issues facing our community,” he emphasized.
As the political landscape in Tororo County continues to stir, Onyango’s withdrawal serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform within the party to regain the trust of its constituents.
His stance resonates with many who yearn for authentic leadership and a return to the foundational principles of the NRM.
