OYAM – The political assistant to Santa Alum Ogwang, Chris Ongom, has firmly dismissed widespread reports claiming the cancellation of her candidature for the Oyam District Woman MP seat, labelling the rumours as false and politically motivated.
Ongom confirmed that while a complaint against Alum has been lodged at the Electoral Commission by some individuals—including one Mr. Francis Oyuku,the NRM Chairperson for Abok—the legal team for Alum Santa Ogwang is prepared to formally respond.
“What we know is that one person, Odur, who is NRM chairperson for Abok, is amongst those behind this, but we don’t yet know what exactly is in the complaint. When we receive it, our lawyers will respond appropriately,” Ongom stated.
He urged Alum’s campaign agents and supporters to remain calm, assuring them that campaign activities would resume shortly. “This kind of allegation is actually a sign that Santa Alum Ogwang will win this election. They would not be fighting her this way if they were not scared,” Ongom added, expressing confidence in their ground support.
Echoing this sentiment, Brian Oguttu, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Chairperson for Oyam who is actively campaigning for Alum, highlighted her longstanding clean record. “Alum has been contesting elections for more than 15 years and has never been taken to court over her name or documents. This sudden petition is a clear indication that our opponents have realised they are losing, and Alum is winning,” Oguttu asserted.
He issued a warning against divisive politics, urging, “Politicians and the people of Oyam should play politics of love and not allow themselves to be used for witch-hunting.”
Support for Alum also came from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) camp. Cipriano Otine, the UPC Finance Secretary for the district, stated plainly, “It is clear Alum is winning with a big margin. These last-minute tactics will not change the will of the people.”
The campaign team maintains that the attempt to challenge Alum Santa Ogwang’s nomination is a desperate manoeuvre by opponents who fear defeat. With legal preparations underway and morale high among supporters, the Alum campaign is poised to return to the trail, confident of victory in the upcoming polls.
